North Pole-Carney Substation 138 kV Transmission Line

Purpose

This new transmission line is necessary to meet the projected future load in the Delta Junction area. The addition of the Ground-based Missile Defense System in 2004, Alyeska's Pump Station 9 and the potential Pogo Mine load necessitate increased power transmission capacity.

In addition, the existing 69-kV transmission line system between GVEA's North Pole Power Plant and Carney Substation in Salcha is 40 years old. The transmission line and supporting poles are in fair condition, but require continually increasing levels of maintenance, and there is a substantial loss of power along the line. A failure of either the transmission line, or the transformer at the substation, could cause an extended outage to members in the southeastern portion of GVEA's service area.

The new 138-kV transmission line will:

• Improve system reliability
• Reduce the transmission line losses
• Provide for a continued transmission capability during reconstruction of the existing 69 kV facility
• Provide for transmission of power to and from the southeastern portion of GVEA service area should power generation facilities be built in that area

Funding

$8 million

Timeline

Route description

The proposed route begins at GVEA's North Pole Power Plant on H & H Lane. The route then proceeds south parallel to the Old Richardson Hwy, then southeast across the Flood Control and parallel to the northern boundary of the Eielson Agricultural area. The route proceeds southeast parallel to the New Richardson Hwy and the eastern boundary of the Eielson Agricultural area, then east within and along the southern boundary of Eielson AFB. The route proceeds southeast parallel to the Alyeska Pipeline within the French Creek Agricultural area, then south to the GVEA's existing Carney Substation on Johnson Road, Salcha.