“Currently, the electrical power for that region is running from either the Coalmine Substation or Kayenta 230 Substation,” said NTUA Electrical Engineer Srinivasa (Veni) Venigalla.”As a result, the electrical capacity has reached near its limits from both delivery points. Furthermore, with the distance of delivery, there is tremendous energy loss and voltage regulation becomes a problem.”
Demand for electricity has certainly increased since the 1960s, when the Coalmine Substation was built near NTUA headquarters. For more than 30 years, the substation has had to transmit electrical power for Fort Defiance, Window Rock, Tohatchi, Ganado, Burnside, and the Chinle Valley.
“These facilities require a tremendous amount of electrical power,” he said. “Needless to say, the service capacity has increased, causing voltage to be unstable, resulting in uncontrollable blackouts for periods of time.”
With the help of the engineers and management team, the Construction began in December 2006, with the completion date set for May 2007.