HEC Receives APPA Reliability Award; Announces Completion of Ridgeville Substation
In recognition of its reliable performance, Harrisonburg Electric Commission (HEC) has received a 2024 “Certificate of Excellence in Reliability” from the American Public Power Association (APPA). This award honors public power utilities that rank in the top quartile nationwide for system reliability based on their System Average Interruption Duration Index (SAIDI) data from 2019–2023.
“The utilities recognized here are truly elite when it comes to keeping the lights on. Their communities should be proud of the hard work and dedication of their local power providers as they earn this truly deserved recognition,” said APPA Director of Research and Development, Paul Zummo.
That same commitment to reliability is reflected in the completion of HEC’s new Ridgeville Substation. Now fully operational, the substation, located at 2014 Reservoir Street, enhances the reliability and capacity of electrical service to the growing east side of Harrisonburg.
“This substation was needed in order to provide continued reliability for the east side of Harrisonburg, which has experienced significant system growth in recent years,” said Zach Nyce, HEC’s Manager of Engineering. “The additional capacity allows us to operate under all contingencies and loading conditions, whether for planned maintenance at our other substations or under unexpected circumstances.”
The Ridgeville Substation is a major investment in Harrisonburg’s electrical infrastructure, costing approximately $4 million and boasting a capacity of over 40 MVA. With proper maintenance, it is expected to serve the community for the next 50 years.
“We are glad to have this substation in service after many months of construction,” said Brian O’Dell, HEC’s General Manager. “With the exception of site grading and control house installation, the substation was built entirely by HEC personnel, providing a valuable learning experience for our younger linemen. Since we typically build a new station every ten years, we make the most of these opportunities when they arise.”
The reliability award and subsequent energization of the Ridgeville Substation reflects HEC’s ongoing commitment to providing safe, reliable, and efficient electrical service to the growing Harrisonburg community.
