Ontonagon REA Plans Airport Substation

There’s more power on the way to the Houghton County Airpark. The Ontonagon County Rural Electrification Association Board of Directors has approved plans to build a new substation on Boston Road, 1.5 miles away from the industrial park. Ontonagon REA CEO Debbie Miles says the new substation has been in the planning phase for two years. Airpark power customers, including Michigan Technological University and D.A. Glass, have been part of the process. The installation and related upgrades will cost around three-million dollars. Miles says construction bids will probably be taken early next year, with completion expected to be complete by late 2015.

D.A. Glass recently began operations at the park, treating plate glass to make it more energy-efficient. The company’s proprietary process requires a significant amount of electricity. The company has wanted to expand, but has been stalled because of limited power availability. MTU’s activities at the Airpark have also been limited by lack of available power.