McGregor, MN – Lake Country Power and local officials from Shamrock Township and the Big Sandy Lake area cut the ribbon on the electric cooperative’s new padmount substation today. More than 1,800 individual LCP services will see improved reliability from this unique substation investment.

After a summer of storms and substation construction-related outages, it means fewer outages in the future for the farms, resorts, cabins, homes and commercial businesses served by the co-op in the townships near Big Sandy Lake.

“We appreciate the patience members have shown while we worked this summer and fall to build a safer, more reliable system for co-op consumers,” said Greg Randa, Lake Country Power’s general manager.

LCP members experienced several outages the past few months as the line was placed on "one shot" status until the project was complete. "One shot" protects crews and shuts down the line immediately when a fault occurs.

“During construction, crew safety takes priority and that affects reliability,” said Jake Chrzanowski, LCP senior electrical engineer. “If a fault happens, whether it’s from a tree, squirrel, or any line contact, the upline device shuts down the circuit immediately to limit fault exposure for crews.”

“The padmount substation will greatly increase reliability. Enclosed equipment, fed by underground lines, is protected from the weather, more aesthetically pleasing and increases safety as there are no exposed energized parts. The entire low-voltage side of the substation is shielded from ice, wind, and exposure to lightening. Also, wildlife problems are substantially reduced as compared to an overhead substation because the equipment is enclosed.”

“Our business operation relies on having reliable electricity everyday so our team can meet production goals and consumer demand,” said Sandy Marsyla, corporate controller for Floe International. “We are excited Lake Country Power has made this investment for the entire Big Sandy area, which will improve everyone’s power quality for years to come.” 

The $1.3 million padmount substation went into operation October 28. Co-op staff, directors and local officials celebrated the unique investment with a ribbon cutting ceremony, Nov. 2, near the co-op’s outpost north of McGregor.