PITTSBURGH, Pa. — Eaton announced a $5.4 million contract from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Wilmington District, to lead a life extension and electrical modernization project at Philpott Dam in Bassett, Virginia. The agreement includes the design, manufacturing, delivery, installation and commissioning of electrical powerhouse distribution and control systems, as well as oversight of the construction of a new building to house the upgraded electrical equipment.
The project will help the Philpott Dam continue to reliably generate sustainable electricity to meet the electrical needs of approximately 1,600 homes, while also supporting local flood control and water supply. The hydroelectric station currently includes three turbine-generating units that produce approximately 14 megawatts of low carbon energy. Under the contract, Eaton will replace aging equipment with modern technology including switchgear, governor controls, automatic voltage regulators and power transformers. Eaton will manage the project to minimize power outages and expects the project to be completed June 2016.
“Eaton will provide a sophisticated level of electrical control and distribution for the facility’s existing components, some dating back to 1953 when the Philpott Dam was first in service,” said John Stampfel, vice president and general manager, Electrical Engineering Services and Systems Division, Eaton. “Drawing on more than 50 years of hydroelectric modernization experience, Eaton is well positioned to help the Philpott Dam continue operating effectively for years to come.”
Eaton’s recent contract with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is one of several recent hydropower generation projects awarded to Eaton. Earlier this year, Eaton completed a project for Green Mountain Power to modernize, upgrade and automate the electric system at a hydroelectric plant in Vermont. Eaton also worked with the Public Service of New Hampshire to optimize power generation at a hydroelectric station in New Hampshire.
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