Lassen Municipal Utility District (LMUD) is making steady progress on the Skedaddle Substation project, with significant milestones reached despite some challenges. The substation, expected to be fully operational by December 2026, is currently seeing advancements beyond preliminary site work.
A key update from LMUD General Manager Nick Dominguez and Electric Operations Manager Cort Cortez during the September 23 board meeting highlighted the arrival of the phase-shifting transformer, manufactured in Brazil. Unfortunately, LMUD faces a potential 50% tariff ($1.6 million) imposed by the Trump administration on this imported equipment. This tariff will be paid from LMUD’s reserve funds and is not expected to increase customer rates.
LMUD continues efforts to secure a tariff exemption by working with Congressman LaMalfa’s office, the American Public Power Association, the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, and the Department of Energy, though no exemption has been granted yet.
Construction updates include the delivery of the control house, completion of nearly all transformer pads with 700 cubic yards of concrete poured, and the scheduled arrival of the phase-shifting transformer by late November via rail to Sparks, Nevada, then by truck to the site. Additional transformers are also en route and set to arrive in early November.
The contractor responsible for LMUD’s portion of the substation is also handling the NV Energy side, ensuring continuity. The NV Energy segment is expected to be finished by December 2026 and features a switch to carry power from both the north and south, enhancing reliability for LMUD customers. Power interruptions will be rare and only expected during major systemwide outages or simultaneous failures on both line segments.
The substation is designed specifically to serve LMUD customers, not to support other utilities’ loads. This project marks an important infrastructure upgrade aimed at improving the stability and reliability of power delivery in the region.
