Austin Energy: $60M Will Keep the Lights On

Austin Energy is planning a third substation to supply more power to downtown Austin’s grid by 2020. Without the addition, recurring power outages could occur, according to the area utility. At the current growth rate, the city would reach network capacity by 2023, given the CBD’s population and corporation increase.

Austin Energy is also planning upgrades to the downtown grid, including a rebuild of the Brackenridge substation, a boost to network distribution and addition of a transformer to the Seaholm substation. The improvements and new substation will total $60 million, while doubling CBD network capacity.

The new substation is planned for 55 East Ave., in the Rainey Street District. The Rainey Street Neighborhood Association is working with Austin Energy to ensure that the substation doesn’t become a potential eyesore for the neighborhood, which has become a vibrant area of downtown Austin.

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