To provide our members with safe, reliable, and affordable electricity, Todd-Wadena Electric Cooperative (TWEC) follows a comprehensive work plan. These work plans are typically four years long and encompass upgrades and maintenance to keep the system running top notch. The Cooperative is currently on the first year of a Four-Year Work Plan that runs from 2021 through 2024.
During this four-year timeframe, TWEC is preparing for a continual annual energy growth of 1 percent. This growth is attributed to an increase in residential, small commercial, and agricultural usage in the rural areas of our service territory. Our distribution infrastructure is increasing at an average annual rate of 5.01 percent.
The work plan is based on current and forecast conditions including growth patterns and the status of our distribution facilities. Projects will address changes in system growth, aging infrastructure, and AMI technologies. Major projects will focus on updating three-phase lines, single-phase lines, and substations, along with sectionalizing equipment. These projects will also improve TWEC’s voltage drops that can occur while rerouting power during outages.
Work plan projects include a wide variety of items: new service line extensions, distribution line installations, conversions and line changes, new substations, substation changes, transformers and meters, service capacity increases, sectionalizing equipment, regulator equipment, capacitor equipment, pole replacement, conductor replacements, security lights, load management/SCADA, and load management equipment.
One of our largest projects is the construction of a new Leaf River Substation. The new 34.5 kV to 12.5 kV 5/7 MVA substation will be built adjacent to the existing substation. Leaf River is one of the older substations currently on TWEC’s system. The new design will include provisions for a future circuit switcher that will improve the Cooperative’s ability to back feed substation feeders during peak conditions.
Outlining and then implementing a detailed Four-Year Work Plan allows Todd-Wadena to provide our members with the reliable service you’ve come to expect. We appreciate your support and patience as we tackle our upcoming work plan projects.
Have a safe and enjoyable summer!
