Work is nearly complete on the second phase of an NV Energy project to improve the reliability of electric service in the Lakeview subdivision in northwest Carson City. Crews are replacing about 10,500 ft of underground 7.2-kV electrical cable that’s been serving the neighborhood since the 1960s. They’re also replacing 26 transformers and installing other equipment that will make it easier for crews to make repairs following outages.
This is a multi-phase project with future projects in the Lakeview area anticipated in 2014 and possibly 2015, according to Dan Harold, Carson City area manager for NV Energy.
Because of the way the original electrical distribution system was configured, lengthy outages were required for crews to make repairs, said Harold. In order to find the source of outages and to restore service, the entire neighborhood had to be taken out of service. With the installation of the new equipment that won’t be necessary.
The old cable was buried directly in the soil. Conduit for the cable was installed during the refurbishment project, making it easier and safer for crews to gain access to cable in order to identify problems and make repairs.
Installation work has been done in two phases. The first portion of the project was completed in January 2013. Construction of the current phase began in October 2013 and should be finished by the end of February. The cost of the project is approximately $930,000.
The new underground cable is being installed parallel to the old cable in order to minimize the outages that are required to transfer service from one set of power lines to the other.
“We appreciate the patience shown by residents during the construction process, especially since they’ve been affected by outages required by the project,” said Harold.
In late October 2013, NV Energy completed a similar underground cable refurbishment project along Jack’s Valley Road in Douglas County. The cost of that project was approximately $625,000.
