Studies and Reports > 2009 MN Biennial Report > WC Planning Zone > Needs: 6.4.13 Douglas County Area

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6.4.13 Douglas County Area

Tracking Number. 2009-WC-N2

Utilities. Xcel Energy

Inadequacy. The Douglas County 115/69 kV transformer is the main source for the 69 kV lines between Paynesville and Douglas County. The loss of this transformer will result in severe low voltages in the area.

A map showing the affected area around Douglas County Substation is shown on the following page.

Alternatives. The possible alternatives are additional capacitors, a second transformer at the substation, or distributed generation.

Analysis. This inadequacy was identified in Xcel Energy’s 2008 NERC Compliance Assessment. The extent of the low voltages that result from this contingency render capacitors ineffective at resolving the inadequacy. The most effective solution is adding a second 70 MVA 115/69 kV transformer at Douglas County Substation.

Distributed generation is not believed to be an adequate solution to this problem due to its cost, the extent of the low voltage problem, and the need for that generation to be online at all times in advance of the critical contingency.

Schedule. Due to the size of the need in this area, this project is being pursued to be in service prior to the summer of 2010. Review by the Public Utilities Commission will not be required if a second transformer is installed.

Click here or on map below to download high resolution PDF map.