On Going Projects

Contractor Notice: Transmission and Distribution Line Replacement – Cheyenne County

Wheat Belt Public Power District is undertaking a major infrastructure project to improve system reliability and performance in Cheyenne County.

What’s happening:
Both the existing 34.5 kV subtransmission line and the 12.5 kV distribution underbuild line are being replaced. The new lines will continue to share the same pole structures.

Where:
Work is underway along County Road 32, between Wheat Belt’s headquarters and the former Sioux Army Depot.

Contractor:
Altitude Energy has been contracted to complete the construction work.

What to expect:

• Utility crews and construction equipment along the roadway

• Potential traffic delays or restricted access in work zones

• Increased activity through the duration of the project

We appreciate your caution and cooperation as we make these critical system upgrades. Thank you for your continued support of Wheat Belt PPD.

Each year, Wheat Belt Public Power District contracts with a power pole inspection company to test utility poles in our service territory.  Depending on the area, crews may have pickups, 4-wheelers, or heavy machinery that are not marked with Wheat Belt signage.

We test to check the integrity of the pole and to improve the life span of the pole by properly treating the poles before they decay; poles are a large capital investment; therefore, we work hard to extend the life of every pole.

When trees interfere with power lines, they become safety hazards and are a common cause of outages and can start fires.  We clear areas in our service territory, known as rights of way.  Wheat Belt contracts with a tree service each year to do a section of our system.  Their trucks are marked with Wheat Belt signage.

Keeping power lines clear of tree limbs helps restore power more quickly, reduces unexpected costs for repairs and keeps crews, customers and members of our community safe.