Merivale DS – Substation Upgrade

As Ottawa’s metro region grew, so, too, did the demand for electricity. Serving more than 319,500 customers throughout the city, Hydro-Ottawa Ltd is the third largest municipality-owned electrical utility in Ontario. Hydro-Ottawa sought to meet the increasing demand and brought us in to help enhance the reliability of aging infrastructure of the existing Merivale Distribution Station through engineering services, project management, and design.

Space constraints were a challenging aspect of this project in which we had to increase the size of both the equipment and substation within a limited space. Software tools such as 3D survey scans and modelling allowed us to simulate the space and clearances. This solution allowed us to rethink standard practices to meet codes and standards despite a non-standard layout.

Our detailed engineering enhanced the station’s reliability through the installation of two new 115kV power transformers, two HV breaker and two HV load break switches. We also added a new 15kV arc-resistant metal-clad switchgear as well as a new protection and control building with relay and SCADA panels. These additions bolstered the existing station and safely deliver power to residents across the region.