Siemens Power Transmission & Distribution, Inc. announced that The United Illuminating Company (UI) has issued a Notice to Proceed for the Singer Substation 345 kV gas insulated switchgear (GIS) project in Bridgeport, Connecticut. This substation will be the largest 345-kV GIS installation in the USA and Canada. The contract calls for 4 bays of 345-kV type 8DQ1 with a total of 16 breakers.

The Singer Substation is the cornerstone of the system improvements plan by UI. When the installation of the new Siemens 345-kV GIS substation is completed, UI will be able to interconnect the planned 345-kV transmission system and existing power plant, and UI’s 115-kV feeder system thereby improving the reliability of the entire area served. The Singer Substation is part of the Middletown-Norwalk Transmission Project which is a joint project between UI and Northeast Utilities. This project will extend the existing 345-kV transmission grid into the 54-town southwest Connecticut region and includes 45 miles of overhead lines and 24 miles under local streets. Project construction is slated to be complete by the summer of 2009 with the new line serving customers by December 2009.

“We believe the major investment we are making in the transmission infrastructure will significantly improve reliability and help to meet the growing electricity needs for hundreds of thousands of residents, businesses and institutions,” said James P. Torgerson, chief executive officer of UI.
“United Illuminating chose Siemens because of the total value package provided –both technical quality and a committed project team, “said Gerd Ottehenning, vice president and general manager of Siemens Power Transmission & Distribution’s High Voltage Systems Division. “Our turnkey solution – from reactors to transformers to the 345-kV GIS – provide economical, highly reliable solutions in complex switchgear applications.”