In May of 2014, Olsson Industrial Electric was awarded a prime contract to modernize the station service electrical distribution system at the McNary Lock and Dam – a four year effort to replace nearly all of the existing 4160 V Station Service equipment. Construction began with two iso-phase bus taps feeding new 15 kV switchgear assemblies for redundant distribution to new 480 V substations. Twenty-eight 4160 V governor oil pumps will be rewound to 480 V for compatibility with the new station service distribution.

Ultimately, the modernization will convert the entire powerhouse to a redundant 480 V system. With the majority of new equipment installed in green field locations, the new system can be commissioned and energized in advance to minimize outages and disruptions to the plant. OS Engineering and Olsson Controls will provide significant support throughout the project making this a complete team effort.