Versant Power upgrades Orono substation

Orono, ME— Versant Power crews have been making major improvements at the Orono substation to facilitate load growth and reliability in the area. Power System Technicians are currently standing up steel at the site to support the new infrastructure. 

Power System Technicians Josh and Bryce stand up steel at the Orono substation

Above: Power System Technicians Josh and Bryce stand up steel at the Orono substation

“About 5,000 customers as well as the substations at the University of Maine are sourced from the Orono substation,” said Brian Green, Versant Power Project Manager. “It’s important that these customers have stable electric service and that local businesses are able to power any expansions or upgrades in the future.”

A key upgrade at the site, a new transformer, will accommodate future development and regulate voltage in the area. The site’s previous transformer is over forty years old and is not equipped to facilitate load growth like its more advanced replacement.

 

A Versant bucket truck parked beside the site’s new transformer

Above: A Versant Power truck parked beside the site's new transformer

Older equipment failure in the Orono area has caused power disruptions in recent years and required emergency repairs. With that aged equipment removed and the addition of more resilient, contemporary versions, customers can expect more dependable service.

Along with equipment updates, new equipment will be added to the site. New remotely operated devices and technology upgrades will identify issues faster and minimize the number of customers impacted if there is an outage.

Work at the substation is expected to be completed this June and is part of a multi-year plan to improve service to the Orono area. Its timing coincides with the launch of the new Bradley Switching Station, another project in the improvement plan.

For more Versant Power news, please visit versantpower.com.

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Versant Power is committed to delivering safe, reliable electric service. As the state's second-largest electric utility, the company delivers electricity to more than 165,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers across 10,400 square miles in northern and eastern Maine.