Manager’s Message – August 2022

A bird’s-eye view of road construction for LMUD’s Skedaddle Substation project. Photo by Nick Dominguez

Updates on LMUD Projects

I am happy to report that construction of Lassen Municipal District (LMUD)’s Skedaddle Substation project is now underway. On June 23, construction crews began building the 1.3-mile-long access road to allow transport of heavy equipment and materials to the site. As of July 14, the road is about 90% complete. The project, which will connect LMUD to the 345,000-kilovolt transmission line operated by NV Energy, will greatly improve reliability and help stabilize LMUD’s power supply.

Later this year, when work begins on the substation, large equipment such as electrical transformers, electrical breakers and steel support structures for wire and conductors will be installed. Interconnection with another utility is a large and complex undertaking, and our staff is working diligently on all phases of this project: finance, planning, environmental, construction, public relations, and equipment and services procurement. The plan is to complete construction and begin receiving power by the end of 2024.

The Shaffer Mountain communication site power supply line is also under construction. LMUD crews are building the first phase of the project—1,700 feet of new line. The second phase is the construction of a section of underground line nearer the top of the mountain. This line serves critical communications located on top of Shaffer Mountain. The upgrade of the power line will make the service more reliable and more weather-resistant. LMUD expects to complete this project later this year.

LMUD bought the former Bank of America building located on the corner of Main and Gay streets in Historic Uptown Susanville. The building, once renovated, will provide for the ever-changing needs of our customers, and will include drive-thru customer service and public electric vehicle charging stations. LMUD applied for, and received a notice of, proposed funding from the California Energy Commission for $500,348 for rural electric vehicle charging stations to assist in this effort. Improvements to the property will promote economic development and tourism in the Historic Uptown Susanville District. LMUD is pleased to be a part of this important investment in our community.

If you have questions regarding these projects, please contact us at (530) 257-4174, email us, or at our monthly board of directors meetings the fourth Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. in the LMUD board room, 65 S. Roop Street.

Pat Holley
General Manager