How does McGuire Air Force Base improve electrical reliability and supply? By working with O’Brien & Gere. In Wrightstown, New Jersey, O’Brien & Gere completed a 1994 Electrical System Study (master plan) for a new primary power distribution system at the base. The study resulted in a system that replaces seven 12.47-kV aerial feeder circuits with a new 34.5-kV underground distribution system, and proposed three 34.5/12.47-kV primary unit substations. This project is a solid example of how teamwork breeds success. Since 1994, McGuire Air Force Base has worked with O’Brien & Gere in a phased approach to replace portions of the existing aerial distribution system with a new 12.47-kV underground distribution system. Phase II Phase II of the Repair Electrical Distribution Project provided a new 34.5-kV service (previously 12.47-kV) from General Public Utility Energy (GPUE). The new service, completed by O’Brien & Gere, included two feeder circuits that originated from the GPUE utility substation and connected to a new double-ended switchgear (switching station) arrangement. Both of the feeder circuits are able to service an estimated base load of 25-mVA. In addition, two feeder circuit breakers service a new primary unit substation for the airfield distribution, and two others will be used to service future substations. Phase III During Phase III, O’Brien & Gere provided a new 12.47-kV underground power distribution system to the 1700 and 1800 Areas, which replaced the existing primary and secondary aerial power distribution systems. The new primary distribution system will be fed from the primary substation that was installed during Phase II. To be cost-effective, existing pad mounted transformers, and switch gears in good working condition were reused and re-fed from the new underground distribution system. New pad mounted transformers and secondary feeder circuits were also provided to service existing buildings, as required, and secondary over current protective equipment was provided only for buildings that were not up to code. Finally, existing aerial CATV, aerial street lighting circuits, and fixtures were replaced with new underground services and decorative street lighting fixtures. Phase IV Now O’Brien & Gere is designing Phase IV, which will provide a new 12.47-kV underground power distribution system to the 1900 and 2200 Areas. This system will be temporarily fed from existing aerial feeder circuits surrounding these areas. Eventually, however, the new system will be re-fed from a new primary unit substation, expected to be designed in 2005/2006. The Final Plan Focusing on a successful relationship, the next phase, a $12M construction project, is currently in negotiation. O’Brien & Gere will continue to provide cost-effective, quality service, and will team with the base to provide the services required for another successful project at McGuire Air Force Base.  "During the design phases of these various projects, McGuire Air Force Base utilized many components of the designs and incorporated them in developing an electrical standard for the base. This standard is distributed to various design firms to help maintain the quality standards that O’Brien & Gere has developed."  Steve Lyman, PE, Design Chief, McGuire Air Force Base For a copy of O'Brien & Gere's Portfolio Magazine, please contact Tom Kogut       Return to Project listing