Ready or not, the area is changing and Flathead Electric is keeping up with the growth.  Take Highway 93 in Kalispell near the college...well, the growth in that area alone illustrates the need for smart planning.  What goes into making the lights come on when you touch that switch?  A lot!  Through analysis software, and staying current with population and industry changes, staff keeps on top of the demand for electricity.  They can monitor trends in the electricity load growth and make sure we have the systems in place to increase capacity and provide reliability.

 Now, about that area on Highway 93.  Some of you may have noticed the new substation at the corner of Highway 93 and Four-Mile Drive.  Power quality and reliability are important factors when you consider the homes, hospital, college and several retailers in such a concentrated area.  Brian Plunkett, System Protection Engineer, states, "The new substation was added to increase capacity and reliability of electricity in this rapidly growing area.  Not only do we have an improved system, we have a substation that is state of the art."  Plunkett is not only referring to the equipment, but also to the safety and aesthetic aspects.  "There are no overhead lines coming in or going out of the station", states Plunkett.  "The equipment itself is self-contained, which creates a safer work environment and eliminates a majority of the public safety hazards associated with a more traditional style substation."

The area selected for the substation worked well and was already occupied by gas, sewer, and phone.  It had limited acreage for residential development, however, an ideal amount of acreage for this type of substation.  Plunkett also wanted to make sure the neighbors in the vicinity and FVCC were recognized, "Their cooperation and patience during the construction made my job easier."  As always, thank you from Flathead Electric for helping us help you.