Work begins on Coaticook’s 120kv substation
On Wednesday, the City of Coaticook began the largest project in its history, with more than $10 million dollars committed to the Post 120kv substation.
The City produces hydroelectric power but not enough to meet the needs of residents and contractors, so electricity from Hydro-québec has to be purchased and distributed. In recent years, electricity consumption has reached the limit of what Hydro-québec can provide for Coaticook, so the City had to move quickly to find a solution.
To respond to this need, city council decided to proceed with the construction of a new distribution post, a 120kv substation that will allow the City to purchase electricity at a better price and connect customers that Hydro-coaticook could not accept due to lack of capacity.
The land for the building is located on Merrill Street on the edge of the industrial park. Plans and specifications are in progress and some specialized equipment has already been ordered. The 120kv substation should be in operation by the end of 2018.
"The amount we have to invest is high and that can be scary, but it's a great project,” says Coaticook Mayor Bernard Lamoureux. “It is one of the most beautiful projects I have seen in my political career. The station will pay for itself by saving on purchasing costs, but also thanks to the customers, mainly industrial customers, that we can recover. I am very pleased to see this project come into being. It is my legacy for the population.”