ASHLAND, Ky. — Kentucky Power has completed a significant upgrade to the electric system in Hazard that ensures continued delivery of reliable and resilient power to the community and beyond.
The centerpiece of this comprehensive transmission project was the retirement of Hazard substation’s aging transformer, which had kept the power flowing to customers in the area for the past eight decades. The replacement not only enhances reliability but also paves the way for increased efficiency and advanced technologies.
“Our team and contractors worked diligently to complete this cost-effective project to enhance reliability and modernize the Hazard substation,” explained Lance Blackburn, project manager. “These improvements increase power quality for customers and support the community’s needs.”
The Hazard substation distribution circuits directly serve 30 megawatts of load, or energy, to approximately 1,800 customers. Beyond the distribution of power to local customers, this station also serves as a hub for several transmission lines.
“The technologies this project permitted, in both transmission and distribution, result in a more storm-hardened and resilient electric system for Hazard and the surrounding areas,” Blackburn said.
In addition to the enhancement of service reliability, benefits of the project also include increased safety of the grid and a proactive correction of reliability constraints that stem from equipment failures, which reduces the duration of outages when they do occur.
“These upgrades align with our ongoing commitment to delivering safe and reliability energy to all of our customers,” said Blackburn.
- Lance Blackburn, a 44-year AEP employee based in Pike County, managed this transmission project.
- Crew setting the new Hazard station transformer.
