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Uprate to Canada Under Study
Published: June 05, 2008:Author: ColumbiaGrid Staff
ColumbiaGrid and BC Transmission Corporation (BCTC) have teamed up to study the potential for increasing the south-to-north rating of the transmission system between the Northwest and British Columbia. The current system is rated in that direction at 2,000 megawatts, and BCTC is proposing to boost the capacity as high as 3,000 MW.
To accomplish the uprate, BCTC plans to increase ground clearance for its 500 kV lines from Ingledow Substation near Vancouver to the U.S. border, where the system interconnects near Blaine, Washington. BCTC is also considering installation of temperature monitors to permit higher transfers until the lines are raised. The upgrades are not expected to affect the north-to-south rating, which is 3,150 MW.
ColumbiaGrid will facilitate BCTC’s request to conduct path rating studies for the U.S. portion of the system. Any facilities needed on the U.S. side of the border to support the higher rating would be identified in the studies. In addition, the existing Puget Sound Area study team will serve as the WECC review group for the project. BCTC will conduct its own studies on the British Columbia side of the border.
The goal is to finish the initial phase of the studies by this fall. The entire project review could be complete by the end of the year or early in 2009. The completion date also depends on whether substantial issues arise and the availability of engineering resources.
ColumbiaGrid has invited interested persons to join the study team. Contact Jeff Miller at ColumbiaGrid or follow this link to our interested persons list, fill in your contact information and check the workgroup box for "Planning and Expansion: Puget Sound Area."
