CVPS completes unique reliability project

A multi-million-dollar substation and voltage support equipment just completed by Central Vermont Public Service is making a major contribution to electric service reliability in southern Vermont.
CVPS today announced completion of an $11.5 million Winhall facility designed to improve reliability in southern Vermont while putting off the need for miles of transmission upgrades across the southern part of the state. The project, which included the installation of two enormous synchronous condensers, is part of an alternative solution to transmission issues. Targeted energy efficiency is also being used, and CVPS is looking for host sites for new distributed generation as well.
When we first looked at the issues in southern Vermont, we were committed to looking at all the possibilities, and this facility is the proof in the pudding, CVPS President Bob Young said. This equipment and substation will significantly improve local reliability and improve voltage support for thousands of customers in the region.
Synchronous condensers are devices that control voltage on a transmission or distribution system. A synchronous condenser has internal parts that spin like a motor or generator to support voltage, and outwardly resembles these devices. But synchronous condensers do not actually produce power, nor do they burn fuel or produce emissions.
The two units installed by CVPS weigh 60 tons each and will help maintain voltage along 60 miles of power lines in southern Vermont. The synchronous condensers will strengthen the Southern Loop and allow a higher penetration of new alternative energy sources such as photovoltaic, wind and combined heat and power facilities to connect to what has been a weak power system.
The project was born out of a public outreach process conducted by CVPS and Vermont Electric Power Company to improve reliability in southern Vermont and the greater New England region several years ago. Through this extensive public outreach process, the companies agreed to a series of solutions, including non-transmission solutions, to address transmission constraints.
Besides the synchronous condensers, efficiency efforts and new combined heat and power generation, other elements include a new VELCO transmission line from Vernon to Cavendish known as the Coolidge Connector, a new VELCO substation in Newfane to provide support for customers in Bennington and Windham counties, and a new substation in Vernon. The transmission line and Newfane substation were approved by the Vermont Public Service Board earlier this month. The PSB approved the synchronous condenser project last year, and work began in the spring of 2008.
CVPS spokesman Steve Costello said the synchronous condenser project was unique for CVPS in two ways: it marks the first time the company has addressed a major transmission issue in this way, and the condensers are housed in a building designed to look like a traditional horse barn so it fits into the rural and natural surroundings.
We worked very closely with the neighbors and abutting landowners to make this project fit, Costello said. We wanted to solve the reliability issues, of course, but also wanted to be a good neighbor and meet local residents needs.