Project Highlights

VELCO purchased the 46 kV equipment in the Highgate Substation in 2003 from Citizens Utility. VELCO rebuilt the 115 kV equipment in 2005 as part of the Northern Loop Project. A recent conditions assessment of the Substation identified the need to replace some of the equipment due to condition. The primary deficiency is the control building. While the Project is constructed, VELCO will take the opportunity to perform regular condition-based maintenance and in-kind replacements at the Substation, not associated with the Project. 

The following upgrades to the VELCO Highgate Substation will improve reliability of electric facilities serving portions of Vermont. 

  • Replace the existing 24' x 61' VELCO control building with a new, approximately 32' x 80' control building that will accommodate a new protection and control system, station service, DC battery systems communication equipment, and security systems. The new control building will be located inside the existing Substation. 
  • Adjustments to existing driveway that consist of regrading, widening, and shortening the driveway to accommodate the new entry for the control building. 

Timeline

  1. Public Outreach

    VELCO project team hosted a public meeting and met with the Town Selectboard to answer questions about the project and listen to community concerns.

  2. Application for Regulatory Approval

    VELCO expects to submit an application for regulatory approval.

  3. Construction

    VELCO anticipates construction to begin Spring 2023.

  4. Commission

    VELCO anticipates the upgraded substation to be commissioned by Spring 2024.

  1. 2022July
  2. 2022October
  3. 2023May
  4. 2024May
Project Features
Asset Maintenance
Asset Maintenance

Upgrades to existing electric transmission infrastructure.

Reliability
Reliability

Transmission additions or upgrades, necessary to ensure the system’s continued reliability. 

Highgate substation construction
Highgate substation construction
Highgate substation construction
Resources & Documents
Advance Notice

The 45-Day Notice package is a detailed project description sent 45 days before filing with the Public Utility Commission to local select boards and other officials to enable community leaders to review and discuss the project’s impacts with residents, and to provide input before the start of formal proceedings before the Commission. The 45-day notice is a requirement of Vermont law and Public Utility Commission rules. 

Download the Highgate Substation Project 45-day notice package. 

Permitting Documents

VELCO filed a petition for Certificate of Public Good (CPG) and supporting documents, seeking approval of the Highgate Substation Project on October 5, 2022. The CPG was granted on December 2, 2022. This library contains all of the public documents filed with the Public Utility Commission as part of VELCO’s petition for a CPG for the Highgate Substation Project. Materials that contain Critical Energy Infrastructure Information are listed but are not available for download. For more information about CEII please contact us. 

Public Utility Commission Orders

Highgate Substation Project:

Key Resources
Safety
Land Management
System Map
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