ECI was contracted by McKenzie Electric Cooperative to provide engineering services for their Hay Butte to Lonesome Creek 115 kV Project.  This 115 kV single and double circuit transmission line began at the existing Hay Butte Substation and eventually terminated into the new Lonesome Creek Gas Plant Substation. ECI performed a complete transmission line design package with the transmission line complying with RUS design standards.

The transmission line is approximately 4.5 miles long and was constructed primarily using RUS TP-115 single and double circuit tangent wood monopoles, TS-3A-type glu-laminated running angles, and steel dead end structures where guy wires and anchors weren’t permitted. Conductor for this line was designed as a T2-conductor 397.5 ACSR “Ibis” with 48 fiber OPGW and 7 strand 3/8” EHS shield wire located in the static positions.

As part of the overall scope and permitting process, ECI’s Right-of-Way and GIS teams also completed several feasible route studies including development of maps showing various landowner and/or environmentally sensitive areas.  These studies allowed ECI to coordinate with landowners and other government entities to determine the best, most comprehensive, and cost-effective route.

The Hay Butte to Lonesome Creek 115kV Project is only a small portion of the overall scope of work for McKenzie Electric with current design and construction of over 100 miles of additional RUS 115kV line in the area.  ECI is managing all aspects of the design work including survey acquisition, scheduling, route coordination, and project reporting.