DoD Forward Substation Upgrade
A 50-year-old substation at a defense installation in the Southwest needed a new transformer and updated controls — but the base could not afford to lose power. We replaced the equipment with cleared personnel, using a mobile substation to carry critical loads during the changeover.
- Client
- Defense agency (cleared)
- Region
- CONUS Southwest
- Duration
- 22 month program
- Voltage
- 69 / 12.47 kV
- Status
- Commissioning
Project details.
The challenge we walked into.
A defense installation needed to replace a 50-year-old transformer and the protection system without taking the base off mission. The agency required cleared personnel for site access and backup power during the changeover.
How we approached the work.
- 01
Cleared crews on site
Personnel with security clearances staffed the entire active-yard work. Fewer escorts needed kept the schedule moving on a base with strict access controls.
- 02
Mobile substation as backup
A pre-staged mobile substation handled the critical loads during the transformer changeover, so the base never lost power.
- 03
Modern protection system
New computer-based relay panels replaced the old electromechanical ones. Full testing and connection to the base’s control center.
What the client got.
Transformer set complete, new relay panels installed, factory testing closed. On-site testing and final commissioning scheduled for Q4 2025. No mission disruption during the changeover.
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