Pend Oreille PUD celebrated the successful completion of the first of four turbine/generator units to be upgraded at Box Canyon Dam by hosting an open house earlier this month. General Manager, Bob Geddes, and the commissioners congratulated and thanked the Box Canyon staff for their tremendous effort and dedication toward making the project a success.
“Although the turbine/generator upgrade project is much smaller in comparison with the original construction of Box Canyon Dam, it makes us appreciate the forward thinking efforts and risk that went into the project”, said Bob Geddes. “The original turbines operated for more than 50 years, and we hope the new turbines will give the project another 50+ years”.
Testing and commissioning of the unit has been completed, and it is in full production mode. “All tests looked real good; and we have a good unit”, said Hydro Manager, Terry Borden.
The second turbine to be upgraded is expected to be taken out of service in July of this year, with completion scheduled for April 2012.
