Project Description
JCE Co-op is actively investing in substation upgrades throughout our service territory to enhance system reliability, increase capacity, and support future growth. Several projects are currently in progress or recently completed, with more on the horizon.
Locations
The Clay Substation in Mount Carroll is being replaced by the new Railroad Substation, located nearby on a five-acre site. This project supports the conversion from 34 KV to 69 KV following the 2017 sale of transmission assets to ITC.
- Construction began: Fall 2024
- Expected completion: Fall 2025
- Status: Underground work complete; foundations and fencing underway
Benefits
- Increased system capacity
- Improved access and reliability for Mount Carroll and surrounding areas
- Ties into the 69 KV network for better long-term performance
Upgrades are in progress at the Metform Substation near Savanna.
- Transformer upgrade: From 10/14 MVA to 15/28 MVA
- Status: Transformer expected in February; project completion by April 2025
Benefits
- Enhances capacity for large industrial members
- Allows backup to Thomson area
A recently completed project at West Galena focused on fencing and drainage improvements:
- Work completed: Installation of an approx. 8-foot rock wall to prevent erosion and improve safety
- Reason: Aging fence allowed soil and rock erosion
Geneseo Substation Upgrade
- Scope: Transformer upgrade
- Status: In design
- Expected Start: Spring 2025
Benefits
Increased capacity and reliability
Chadwick Substation Upgrade
- Scope: Upgrade to 69 KV transmission
- Status: Design phase
- Planned Start: Spring 2026
Frentress Lake & Pioneer Substation Connection – East Dubuque
- Scope: Interconnection of two substations at different voltages (13.8 KV and 12.47 KV)
- Planned enhancements:
- Transformer and voltage regulators for compatibility
- Frentress Lake to become the main feed for Pioneer
Enhanced reliability and backup capability for Menominee area