On Thursday, December 6 there was a ribbon cutting for the newly built and energized substation serving the city of Hartford and the surrounding area. The new substation is owned by East River Electric Power Cooperative, which is Sioux Valley Energy’s wholesale power provider. Sioux Valley Energy takes power from the substation to serve the city of Hartford and the surrounding area. The new facility replaced the original substation which was built in 1952. It’s designed to meet the area’s projected growth while also bringing increased reliability. The City of Hartford has grown an average of 3.4 percent per year since the year 2000 and forecasts show continued expansion.
“Hartford is a vibrant community that is expanding its housing and business opportunities. Sioux Valley Energy is proud to be able to help the community grow into the future by providing reliable and safe power. The construction of this substation is a strong signal of Hartford’s continued economic and community development,” said Tim McCarthy, Sioux Valley Energy CEO/General Manger.
Construction on the new substation began in March 2017 and the facility was energized in mid-November of this year. Demolition of the old substation is planned for next summer.
Sioux Valley Energy, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative, is a member owned-utility, providing reliable electric service at cost-based rates to over 25,000 homes, farms, businesses and industries in a seven-county area of east-central South Dakota and southwest Minnesota.