Campbell Lake Substation rebuild

Chugach is rebuilding the Campbell Lake Substation in South Anchorage. The purpose of this project is to replace the aging infrastructure as the equipment is 50 years old and is no longer adequate to serve the area. Chugach is replacing the transformer and the switchgear in the substation to ensure reliability to the area and to address safety concerns that come with having equipment at the end of its serviceable life.

As part of this effort, we are also replacing the existing communications tower. The tower is a critical piece of Chugach’s microwave network which is essential to the operation of the entire Chugach system. In order to process the amount of data that comes from our meters; to reliably and safely operate the control and protection circuits; and to operate state-of-the-art security systems, line of site, well above the tree line, is necessary. This ensures the Chugach communication system is reliable and independent. Due to some questions from local residents, Chugach is looking at alternative tower styles including what’s called a “stealth” tower where it could be partially obscured by foliage the way cell phone towers are often built.

The project team has been to the Bayshore/Klatt Community Council four times (Nov. 2022; March 2023; April 2023; May 2023) and is requesting another opportunity to present the latest on the project at the January 2024 community council meeting.

In September 2023, the Municipality of Anchorage’s Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously approved our Conditional Use Permit for this project. That permit is being appealed by a small group of residents. Chugach will work with all the parties on that appeal process.