Power Transmission and Distribution From the Mokelumne River Development of the Pacific Gas and Electric Company

Abstract

The additional power generated on the Mokelumne River has a peak capacity in excess of 150,000 kw. It is transmitted over a double-circuit 220-kv. transmission line approximately 109 miles to Newark substation where it is fed into the existing 110-kv. and 60-kv. networks of the Pacific Gas and Electric Company. Newark substation has rapidly grown into the most important substation on the system and numerous alterations and additions have been made from time to time to provide increased capacity. The addition of 150,000 kw. of peak capacity into this station has necessitated a major rebuilding and it has now become a twin station, divided into two major parts, for the purpose of reducing oil circuit breaker interrupting duties and lessening the concentration of power on a single bus. In addition to the two 220-kv. Mokelumne lines, there are sixteen 110-kv. an three 60-kv. transmission circuits radiating from Newark substation. With the final addition of the third transformer bank for incoming. Mokelumne power there will be 249,000 kva. of transformer capacity and 75,000 kva. of synchronous condenser capacity connected to the bus. The Mokelumne River Development consists of two major storage reservoirs and four power houses. From this development it is necessary to carry the power over 100 miles to a central distribution point. The existing lines from this territory consist of one 60-kv. wood pole line. It is, therefore, necessary to consider transmission lines and substation facilities which would take care of the entire development.