The Big Tree Substation Project represents a major infrastructure upgrade designed to enhance grid reliability and support growing power demands in the Buffalo region—including the new Buffalo Bills Stadium located near by.
As the prime contractor, O’Connell Electric led the expansion of the existing substation, transforming it into a modern three-bay breaker-and-a-half configuration connected to National Grid Line 151. The project involved reconfiguring 115kV transmission lines, rerouting medium voltage distribution lines, and expanding the substation footprint by four acres.
Key construction elements included:
- Installation of stormwater management systems
- Establishment of a temporary laydown/staging area and marshaling yard
- Construction of a new control house
- Relocation of seven existing 115kV and 34.5kV poles and overhead lines
- Installation of A-frame steel, 5” aluminum pipe bus, lightning masts, disconnect switches, circuit breakers, and cabling
- Relocation of two transformers and capacitor banks
- Testing and commissioning of all systems
The project team’s deep experience with complex regulatory frameworks—such as Article VII, EM&CP, DOT, and railway requirements—ensured seamless execution from planning through commissioning.
Serving nearly 4,000 customers, the upgraded Big Tree Substation is a critical asset in NYSEG’s network, helping to ensure safe, reliable electric service for years to come. The project was recognized with the NECA Project Excellence Award, underscoring O’Connell’s continued leadership in utility infrastructure.