Large Greenfield Substation and Transmission Line to Connect Microsoft Data Center

Microsoft is harnessing regional energy through an interconnection with Chelan County Public Utility District to energize a new data center campus in Chelan County, Washington. Chelan brought us on board as the program manager for a 360-megawatt large-load interconnection, integrating a new substation and upgrading transmission lines to power the campus. 

Working with a fast-paced tech client like Microsoft means helping Chelan provide quick responses to requests and closely tracking the program’s scope, schedule and budget. Our program management plan defines the process, assigns accountability and supplies a framework to nimbly navigate the multitude of variables associated with this complex program.

The data center campus interconnection includes a large greenfield substation and relocation of an existing 230-kilovolt transmission line. Connecting the substation to Chelan’s existing transmission infrastructure necessitates two 1.5-mile 115-kV lines — one rebuilt and the other reconductored. The ongoing capacity expansion will come online in three phases, enabling Microsoft to begin data center operations as quickly as possible. 

We regularly facilitate communication between Chelan and Microsoft as we carry out our role, including:

• Substation and transmission line design
• Procurement support
• Specifications development
• Technical and risk management guidance
• Program management information systems tool integration
• Financial and schedule tracking
• Construction management support

Our integration with Chelan allowed its team to remain engaged in strategic project decisions while we support detailed analysis, coordination and documentation.