NEI was hired as the Consulting Engineer to design the electrical system for a 4.5 MW diesel power plant for the municipal utility in Haxtun, Colorado The complete design consisted of the interconnection with the city power system, auxiliary power design, and generator protection and control for a diesel generator. The generator voltage is 13.8kV and it was stepped down to 4160V to feed the town's distribution system. The generator is large enough to supply all the electrical needs for the city and export power to the transmission system owned by Western Area Power.

The generator is capable of supplying the electrical need of Haxtun when the power supplying the city is interrupted due to weather or other causes. When not needed in this mode, the generator will be used to supply peaking power to WAPAs 115kV system.

Both the generator and switchgear were purchased used. However, no drawings existed for the switchgear and incomplete drawings existed for the generator. NEI produced as-built drawings of both and then modified the design as needed to meet the requirements of this installation.

NEI also designed and programmed the protective relaying for the interconnection. In addition we specified all new equipment for a communications link between the new power plant and the WAPA substation supplying the city.

NEI worked closely with the staff of Haxtun Municipal Utility and provided field and engineering support for all the electrical work needed to connect the new plant to the city power system.

NEI provided the following services:

• Conceptual and detailed design
• Relay panel design and wiring diagrams
• Specified all equpment including communications and relaying.
• Relay settings
• Aided the utility during construction
• Equipment testing
• Project engineering support
• Coordination with Western Area Power
• Field engineering support during construction
• Startup and commissioning

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