Summer is a busy time for your cooperative, as projects across the service area progress. Each year, Mor-Gran-Sou Electric Cooperative’s operations department works with a team of engineers at Innovative Energy Alliance Cooperative to diligently plan construction projects for the year.
Planning these projects allows Mor-Gran-Sou Electric to obtain easements, gather materials and allot the appropriate amount of time to complete the projects. You may have seen crews in your area conducting maintenance or installing new equipment on a power line near you. These are all part of the projects scheduled for the summer.
Technology upgrades
Mor-Gran-Sou Electric is working to install technology to enhance reliability for our members. This includes installing supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) technology, which acts as a remote data monitoring and control system. SCADA allows us to have real-time data at the cooperative’s fingertips to assist in more efficient load switching, outage restoration and safety.
SCADA technology was recently installed in the McLaughlin, Solen and Lark substations. The cooperative plans to install SCADA equipment in the northwest Mandan switchyard, and Rough Rider, Sitting Bull, New Salem and Grant substations.
Substation updates
Various projects focusing on security and reliability in our system’s substations are on the docket over the next few months. Installation of underground cable helps add reliability to the system by reducing exposure of power lines to weather conditions, animals and other factors that may cause electric service disruptions. Along with upgrading infrastructure, the cooperative is taking steps to upgrade security at all substations.
• North Almont Substation – 2 miles of new underground distribution cable will be installed, allowing for 2 miles of overhead power line to be retired. A 1.25-mile tie line will be installed west of the substation to allow for an additional 3 miles of overhead line to be retired.
• Sioux Substation to Sitting Bull substation – 7.5 miles of overhead line will be replaced with underground cable once easements have been obtained.
• Cannon Substation – 3.5 miles of overhead line will be replaced with underground cable.
• DeVaul Substation – 5 miles of overhead line will be replaced with underground cable.
• Plainsview Substation – A circuit line will be rerouted, allowing for 1 mile of overhead power line to be replaced with underground.
While our crews remain busy throughout the coming months, we know our members are hard at work as well. We remind members to be aware of power lines and electrical equipment. Whether you are baling and stacking hay, spraying fields or enjoying time in your yard, take a moment to look around and stay aware of your surroundings to help prevent accidents. Safety remains a priority for you, our members.