In 2016, Platte River completed a 230kV expansion and autotransformer addition project at Laporte Substation, located northwest of Fort Collins. Completion of this substation expansion increased Platte River’s power transmission capacity from Rawhide Energy Station by 41 percent. This increased power transmission capacity helps Platte River to provide a more reliable and robust power supply to our owner municipalities. Installation of a second 230/115kV autotransformer helps Platte River to minimize system exposure and risks during maintenance operations or contingency situations. Several equipment and protection upgrades were also completed during this project to increase system reliability and more effectively protect our assets. The oil containment plan for the existing autotransformer was improved and existing oil circuit breakers were replaced.

Projects like this one help Platte River achieve operational excellence by designing, constructing, operating, and maintaining safe, reliable, and environmentally-responsible transmission assets.