Black & Veatch was selected to provide engineering, procurement and construction services (EPC) for the Russell City Energy Center (RCEC) Interconnect Project. The project improves the PG&E system by interconnecting the new 600 megawatt RCEC power generation facility. RCEC is part of PG&E’s diversified portfolio that ensures reliable energy supplies for customers.

The project included complex outages and construction at seven distinct facilities within the region. It entailed 13 miles of 230 kV reconductor across the San Francisco Bay, along with 7 miles of 115kV reconductor across sensitive habitat in the region.

The scope of work at the seven different sites included the following:

• A new three bay yard was added adjacent to the existing Eastshore Substation in Hayward, Calif.
• A new double circuit 230 kV 1.5-mile transmission line was installed from the new RCEC to the Eastshore Substation. 
• The existing conductors on the Eastshore to San Mateo 230 kV circuit were replaced with new ACSS/AW conductors.
• The 115kV bus and equipment at the Eastshore Substation yard was upgraded, which included replacing circuit breakers, switch disconnects, wave traps and bus.
• The existing conductors on the Eastshore to Dumbarton 115 kV circuit were replaced with new ACSS conductors. In some instances, existing structures were replaced with new tubular steel poles.
• A wave trap at the San Mateo Substation was replaced, and strain bus and jumpers within the substation were replaced.
• Existing equipment in the loop bus configuration at Dumbarton Substation in Fremont, Calif., was upgraded. This included replacing circuit switchers with new SF6 circuit breakers.

The overall project was delivered ahead of schedule and below budget. Black & Veatch used Diverse Business Enterprises (DBEs) to support the project, resulting in 34 percent DBE content.