Prior Lake Substation Activity, Progress, and Completion: Energized!

Crews successfully removed key substation equipment, with the strategic use of a crane to safely lift and maneuver large transformers and a substation shelter. The shelter will be reused at another MVEC substation. The remaining equipment was carefully dismantled and transported for proper disposal.

 

 

  

Demolition is finished: The demolition phase is now over with the final removal of cement.

 

Site is ready for construction: The substation property is cleared and empty and is prepared for the new building process.

 

 

Excavation: The pile of dirt and rocks is the excavated material from digging holes for the new concrete slabs. This ensures the foundation sits at the proper depth and is well-compacted for stability.

Foundation: A concrete slab foundation was built for each transformer. This will provide a stable and level base for the heavy equipment.

 

 

MVEC continues to make progress on the Prior Lake Substation with four different nine-foot-deep holes.  Sonotubes are placed in each hole, which are used to form concrete. Sonotubes are a common way to form concrete piers or columns. They are essentially cardboard tubes placed in the ground and then filled with concrete.

 

 

Last Friday (July 12th), the crane returned to position the two transformers on the rebuilt concrete platforms.

MVEC continues to move forward with its Prior Lake Substation project. MBI  poured footings for the substation’s new high-side structure, which helps facilitate its connection to transmission lines. Four footings were poured, each with nearly 14 yards of concrete.

The Prior Lake Substation is gaining momentum! Concrete foundations have been poured, laying the groundwork for the new building and support structures.

 

The linemen successfully installed four new towers at the Prior Lake substation last week. The towers were lifted into place by a crane, bolted to the ground, and connected.

The construction of the substation building has been rescheduled to mid-October. Upon completion, both the building and substation will undergo rigorous testing prior to commissioning. We anticipate that the substation will be fully energized in November.

Here is an updated photo of our substation. Soon there will be a building placed on the cement platform.

The Prior Lake Substation construction is progressing steadily. Our skilled linemen and substation technicians recently coordinated with crane operators to successfully lift and install three prefabricated building components into the substation structure. Check out the latest video update!

This week, technicians at the Prior Lake Substation have been diligently working on two critical projects. They have been programming the transformer monitoring system and adding power circuits to the building. The energization of the south transformer is scheduled for Friday, November 8th.

The construction of the Prior Lake Substation rebuild is now complete. It has been energized and is operational. Thank you to everyone who contributed to the successful completion of this project.

February 2024 – Inspections were held at the Zinran, Eagle Creek, Prior Lake, and Cleary Lake substations.

May 2024

• May 7 Open House at the Prior Lake Library. View presentation (4:47 length)
• Remove substation from service (de-energize).
• Dismantle the entire substation.

June 2024

• Construction of concrete pads for transformers, switchgear building, high-side switches, and associated equipment.

July 2024

• Feeder conductor replacement.
• Installation of remaining equipment.
• Placement of high-side structures.

August 2024

• A new switchgear building is delivered.
• The Substation will be extensively tested before commissioning.

September 2024 – Prior Lake Substation will be re-energized and put back into service.