Alstom to deliver critical technology upgrade for Tucson Electric Power

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Alstom has been awarded a contract to replace two existing 345 kilovolt Series Capacitor (SC) Banks for Tucson Electric Power’s (TEP’s) Vail Substation in Tucson, Arizona. The new series capacitors will replace existing capacitors that provide grid efficiency by reducing energy losses and improving power output and transfer capacity. The technology upgrade will also help TEP maintain North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) compliance standards.

Alstom’s Flexible AC Transmission System (FACTS) experts will deliver a turnkey package that includes project management, design, engineering, manufacturing, testing and installation of the SC system. Under the contract, Alstom will supply air core reactors, live tank circuit breakers, Human Machine Interface software and displays, capacitors and controls for each SC bank.

“The unique platform of this turnkey capacitor package is designed to help Tucson Electric Power protect their system against cyber security threats and uphold NERC compliance standards,” said Michael Atkinson, President of Alstom Grid North America. “We are looking forward to working with TEP in their efforts to modernize and protect their transmission system.”

Alstom’s SC systems are an ideal solution for optimizing the performance of bulk transmission systems. They improve stability, reduce voltage fluctuations and increase power transfer capacity to help customers like TEP improve service to their customers. Construction of the Vail Substation upgrades is scheduled to begin fourth quarter of 2014 and should be complete by spring 2015.

Tucson Electric Power provides safe, reliable service to more than 414,000 residential, business and industrial customers in the Tucson metropolitan area.