Reliability is a responsibility that Duke Energy takes very seriously. As a result of that commitment, we are upgrading the energy transmission system in New Richmond, Ohio, to provide continued reliability of the area’s energy service. Duke Energy is expanding an existing substation located at 143 Bethel New Richmond Road. This project also will involve rebuilding a high-voltage transmission pole line out of the substation along Bethel New Richmond Road.
Project Need
Demand for energy has grown in southwest Ohio, and Duke Energy is committed to providing dependable, cost-effective and reliable service to our customers.
Project Description
- The expansion will take place on the north side of the substation.
- The construction on a substation is similar to a typical construction site, with numerous crews, trucks and equipment working during daylight hours. The most noticeable part of the construction takes place early with clearing and grading. Expect to see line trucks, bucket trucks and other heavy equipment in the easement while construction is underway. Because portions of this work take place in road rights of way, temporary lane closures in some areas may be necessary to ensure the safety of crews as well as the safety of drivers. There also may be lulls between phases of construction.
- The transmission line rebuild involves replacing approximately 20 wood utility poles with galvanized steel poles and other associated equipment. The new steel poles are more reliable and require less ongoing maintenance and replacement costs. They also are about 5 to 10 feet taller than the wood poles.
Project Timeline
- July through October 2017 – Vegetation clearing such as mowing, trimming and tree removal gets underway to prepare for the substation expansion. Note: Crews will not be working on Aug. 17, 2017, the opening day of the new school year for New Richmond High School.
- October 2017 – Construction begins on the substation.
- December 2017 – Construction on the substation expansion is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
- Spring 2018 – Construction on the transmission line, originally scheduled for October 2017, is now moved to spring 2018.
Benefits to the Community
This project will provide more reliability for increased energy demand during extreme weather conditions.
Engagement
A mailing was sent to homeowners in May 2017. Homeowners will be contacted directly if encroachments – fences, sheds and playsets, for example – need to be removed from the utility easement. Our crews need safe and unobstructed entrances to work on the transmission line. This also applies to vegetation such as trees, shrubs and brush around the transmission line. You will be contacted directly if any encroachments or vegetation issues affect your property.
Property owners received an additional mailing dated Sept. 8, 2017, in advance of October construction on the substation and the October rebuild construction on the transmission line along Bethel New Richmond Road.
An Oct. 31, 2017, letter to property owners shared details about rescheduling transmission line construction for spring 2018.
A July 2018 communication provided an update on the transmission line project.
