Lane Electric strengthens McKenzie power system

VIDA: Motorists traveling Highway 126 east of Vida may have noticed bright orange coverings on power lines and poles in recent weeks – visible signs of a larger effort to strengthen the McKenzie Valley’s electric system.

The orange equipment consists of insulated line covers and pole arms that allow line crews to safely work around energized wires and equipment.

Lane Electric Cooperative crews are also installing covered conductor, commonly called “tree wire,” as part of the cooperative’s wildfire mitigation efforts. The project is designed both to reduce wildfire risks and increase the amount of electricity the system can carry through the McKenzie River Valley.

The work is also part of the continuing integration of Lane Electric’s existing upriver system with the downriver distribution lines formerly operated by Eugene Water & Electric Board.

Connecting the two systems involves more than simply joining the lines. Because the utilities operated their electrical systems somewhat differently, Lane Electric crews are installing a new pole and equipment needed to properly match and connect the electrical phases between the two systems.

The connection is expected to improve reliability for Lane Electric members near the project area and represents another step in a multi-year effort to strengthen the electric system throughout the McKenzie River Valley.

Lane Electric took over service to approximately 2,500 former EWEB customers in the McKenzie Valley earlier this year, extending the cooperative’s service territory farther downriver.