Customer Vault End-of-Life Conversions

BC Hydro engaged Evolve to assist with the replacement of aging medium voltage service equipment in 16 customer vaults in Victoria. The existing equipment was approaching end of expected service life and also needed upgrading to accommodate future conversion to 25kV. The utility-owned service equipment supplies large residential and commercial buildings, varying in capacity between 300kVA and 1,000kVA.

Evolve surveyed the existing equipment and analyzed load demand at each site. Multiple concept designs were developed and coordinated with BC Hydro to select the preferred option.

This project posed numerous implementation challenges, including retrofitting existing secondary equipment while meeting current BC Hydro and Code requirements, overcoming very tight space constraints and moving large equipment through tight corridors and entryways, and being able to perform the upgrades with minimal disruption to occupied buildings.

This multi-year contract included:

• Coordinating with BC Hydro, the building owner and equipment suppliers;
• Preparation of multiple concept designs and cost estimates for each site;
• Development of detailed drawings and specifications;
• Performing the role of Prime Consultant and coordinating multiple sub-consultants; and
• Construction phase services.