Bavarian Substation

Substation_program_planning to power_clr (002)
Bavarian webpage photo

Planning to Power - all the way to 2075

Substations are an integral part of Chelan PUD’s electrical power system, bringing together generation, transmission, and distribution. In alignment with the long-range vision of Imagine 2075, the Substation Program provides a strategic framework for proactively improving and expanding substation infrastructure. The PUD's Substation Program ensures we can continue delivering safe, reliable power to meet the evolving needs of Chelan County. 

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Questions or Comments?
 Please email [email protected] or
 call 509-661-8563.


Burdened Transformer

Background

When an existing substation is consistently reaching 80% capacity, it triggers the PUD to begin looking into the need for a new substation. The PUD refers to this as an 80/20 Model and it initiates the process of identifying a location for a new substation and the associated transmission and distribution lines, in order to continue resilient and reliable service.

Chelan County PUD has been working with the community since 2015 to construct a new substation and associated transmission lines to serve the Leavenworth area. The existing double-bank substation serving the area is nearing capacity. In May 2017, the PUD, along with community input, selected a site at the intersection of North Road and Chumstick Highway for the new substation.

80-20 graphic

Project Update: Bavarian Substation

What's Happening Now?

  • Construction is underway! Below are some project milestones:

July 2026:

  • An existing distribution line will be relocated from the north side of North Road to the south side of North Road.
  • Crews will drill foundations for new transmission structures along Chumstick Highway and existing transmission lines.
  • Contractors will prepare for installation of underground electrical lines.

August 2026: 

  • Excavation of footings for the transformer, control building, and switchgear are occurring inside the substation yard.  
September 2026:

          Concrete is poured in the excavated footings in preparation for placement of the transformer, control building, and switchgear. 

October 2026:

           Using a crane, the transformer, control building, and switchgear are placed inside the substation yard.


What to Expect:

During construction, you may notice:

  • Flagger controlled traffic and occasional lane restrictions on Chumstick Highway
  • Temporary trail closures or pedestrian detours
  • Construction equipment and daytime construction noise
  • Temporary changes to parking or business access near active work areas
Over the duration of the construction, planned power outages may be necessary.  Affected customers will be notified in advance of any planned power outage.

Questions? Contact us at [email protected] or call 509-661-8563.

Anticipated Timeline

Substation Program Phase &
Anticipated Timeline

What's the PUD doing?

How are we engaging you?

1

 

PLAN

 

2020-2023

 


  • Identified the need for additional capacity
  • Identified potential alternative solutions

INFORM:
We will keep the public informed.


2

 

ACQUIRE

 

2023-2025

 


  • Identify and score potential sites
  • Acquire property and land rights
INVOLVE:
We will gather and consider feedback in decision making.


3

 

BUILD

 

2026-2027

 


  • Design of the substation and power lines 
  • Pursue appropriate permitting
  • Construct the substation and power lines
  • New infrastructure serving customers
CONSULT:
We will listen to and acknowledge concerns during the design process.


INFORM:
We will keep the public informed during the construction process.