Puget Sound Energy (PSE) has completed construction of a new $3.8 million electric distribution substation in Lynden, Washington. The Berthusen substation will improve customer reliability and increase system capacity in the Lynden area.

“Our new substation is an important upgrade to our electric infrastructure serving our customers in the Lynden area,” said Ray Trzynka, manager of local government and community relations for PSE. “It will increase reliability for our existing customers and help meet future demand for electricity in the area.”

Berthusen substation has one 25 MVA transformer, with room to add a second transformer to later double the capacity of the substation within its current footprint. Existing transmission lines along West Main Street will bring power to the substation, where it will be stepped down to lower voltages to serve customers in the area.

Construction of the substation began in August 2009 when crews worked to clear and grade the site. The project continued with the construction of the substation, connecting the substation to the transmission line, restoring the landscape, and installing roughly 1,000 ft of overhead and underground distribution feeders.

This project is one of six major projects PSE has under construction or completed in Whatcom County this year to increase reliability and capacity. The utility is currently converting the existing 4-kV electric distribution system to a 12-kV electric distribution system in parts of downtown Bellingham, and building a new electric distribution substation in Blaine/Birch Bay. In 2009, PSE completed:

• A $6 million upgrade of the Bellingham electric system from a 55-kV system to the utility’s current standard 115-kV system;
• A new $6 million electric distribution substation in the Cordatta Parkway area of Bellingham; and
• A $12.5 million 23.5-mi rebuild of 115-kV transmission line between Sedro-Woolley and Bellingham.

With the addition of Berthusen substation, PSE has two substations that serve customers in the Lynden area. Lynden substation has been serving Lynden area customers for several decades.