Lloyd Holl uses the digger to prepare for a crew to set a pole north of Aurora.


Members of the
Construction Crew set a
pole into place using air compressors and rock.

Rainy conditions have created challenges for setting poles and accessing work areas.

Customer Newsletter, June 2008

Workload Update

Southern Power District’s crews have completed two major sections of power lines in our Holdrege service area, each had entailed the rebuilding of a sevenmile stretch of subtransmission line. The lines near Bertrand and Loomis were completed in March, and lines were completed in May between Funk and Wilcox. Both of these projects were required as a result of the 2007 ice storm, and now that they are energized, they will offer more reliability to customers in Phelps County.

Currently, crews are working on a different project near Aurora which will address growing demand for electricity in Hamilton County. This project entails building 4.5 miles of subtransmission line, which will be designed to carry a larger load. Typically, the district’s substations and subtransmission lines have been designed to carry electricity at a level of 34.5 kV, and with the growing demand in the area, the district is increasing that level to 69kV. This step will accommodate the new Aurora West ethanol plant that is currently under construction, as well as allowing continued, reliable service to our customers who already exist in this area. As we continue to see growth in coming years, we will likely continue to upgrade facilities to 69kV where added growth occurs.

If you ask our crews that have been working near Aurora what their greatest challenge has been with the Hamilton County project, they would likely tell you that the weather has made their work much more difficult. Not only have they been working in the rainy conditions, but that rain has also made access to their work areas difficult due to wet, muddy conditions.

The Hamilton County project is slated to be completed by early June, and as of this publish date, it was expected to be completed on schedule.

Other stories you'll find inside this edition:

• Southern Awards Seven Linemen Scholarships
Southern Power District's Board of Directors awarded seven scholarships in May to assist recipients with financing their lineman program education.More>>>
• Energy Camp is Back for 2008!
Southern Power District will be conducting a session of its popular BRIGHT IDEAS ENERGY DAY CAMP this summer. More>>>
• Energy Smart Tip: Reduce "Phantom" Energy Loss
Did you know that even after you push the "Off" button, many of today's electronic components, like televisions and computers, continue to use power?. More>>>
• Hotline Safety Training
Fourteen linemen from across Southern's service area participated in Hotline Safety Training in May. More>>>
• Ask A Question Online
We have received some good questions in recent months on our online comment feature, and have been able to answer a variety of questions asked by our customers. More>>>
• Recipe Box: Ham & Pea Pasta Salad
Recipe>>>