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Puget Sound Energy switching station upgrade
South Bremerton switching station upgrade
Spring 2013 project updates
- Phase I of construction started in April 2011 and was completed in November 2011
- We have started Phase II of construction and expect to complete phases II and III by 2014
Project overview
PSE plans to upgrade the South Bremerton transmission switching station, constructed in 1957 at 2637 Quarry St. W in Bremerton, to improve electric reliability for customers in Bremerton and Kitsap County. We will be installing a new auxiliary bus, which is aluminum conduit that transports electricity from transmission lines to the station's transformer. Adding the new auxiliary bus will expand the operational flexibility of the system and give us the ability to switch power during scheduled and unscheduled outages. To accommodate the new equipment, we will be expanding the existing station footprint approximately 200 feet to the east. The project will be constructed in three phases.
What is a switching station?
A switching station is a transmission substation where the utility can switch or reroute power flow from one line or path to another to allow the power to be isolated to clear a fault (e.g., a fallen tree in the wires) or to take the power line out of service for maintenance. It also may act as a point of interconnection between two different transmission operators (e.g., Bonneville Power Administration and PSE). Unlike a substation with a transformer serving neighborhood circuitry, switching stations do not step power up or down; they integrate power from one or more transmission sources on the regional and local grid to serve neighborhood substations.
What is a transmission line?
Transmission lines are key elements in the electrical distribution system. The lines safely transport high voltage electricity from power generation sources like dams and wind generating facilities to substations in local communities. Transmission normally takes place at voltages of 55 kilovolts and higher.
Committed to keeping you informed
PSE will continue to provide updates to the community. We will notify residents and businesses near the project area when construction will occur. We aim to complete the work with as little disruption as possible.
Download the information
Download these PDF files for more detail on PSE's South Bremerton auxiliary bus project.
Construction notice, March 2011
Project map