Eaton Wins Bureau of Reclamation Modernization Contract to Help Improve Performance, Efficiency of Two CA Hydroelectric Plants

Power management company Eaton today announced it was awarded a contract from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, Mid-Pacific Region, to lead an electrical life extension and modernization project at the Shasta and Keswick hydroelectric power plants in California. The project will update existing generation systems at the Sacramento River dams to support more efficient energy production and improve grid stability.

“Energizing our world has never required more power management expertise. Nearly every hydroelectric generating plant is faced with the challenge of updating aging infrastructure with more intelligent technologies that can extend the lifespan and reduce maintenance of existing facilities,” said Craig Gob, vice president and general manager, Electrical Engineering Services and Systems Division at Eaton. “With a successful record of turnkey modernization projects for the U.S. Government and expansive portfolio of intelligent power solutions, Eaton is well positioned to help the California hydropower plants continue producing sustainable energy for years to come.”

Under the contract, Eaton will provide turnkey replacement of each of the station’s legacy excitation systems with modern digital solutions designed to improve voltage regulation and generation performance. Eaton will also apply intelligent power solutions, including automatic voltage regulators and touchscreen human machine interfaces (HMIs), to enable easier monitoring and remote diagnostics. The project is anticipated to be complete in 2019.

To help further optimize system reliability, Eaton’s turnkey project management will include testing, commissioning and training for all mechanical and electrical equipment, hardware and software. Additionally, Eaton will provide all labor, materials, supervision, transportation, and management necessary to assist the Bureau of Reclamation in operating and maintaining the critical hydroelectric generation assets.

The projects in California are among several recent hydropower generation assignments awarded to Eaton, including contracts from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Nashville District, to lead life extension and electrical modernization projects at the Old Hickory, Barkley, Dale Hollow and Laurel hydroelectric sites in Kentucky and Tennessee.