Seattle City Lights Broad Street Substation Inspection Services

The Broad Street Substation modernization project was initiated to upgrade critical high-voltage transmission infrastructure within Seattle’s dense urban grid. The goal was to improve reliability, resiliency, and operational efficiency by replacing aging systems and integrating advanced equipment within the existing substation footprint. This work was performed in a high-risk electrical environment, requiring careful coordination among the owner, design consultants, specialty vendors, and contractors to ensure safe and timely delivery. Key upgrades included the installation of new gas-insulated switchgear (GIS), protection and control systems, SCADA integration, and structural improvements to meet modern utility standards.

Akana provided comprehensive construction management and quality assurance services throughout the project. Our team supported field coordination, progress tracking, and risk identification, ensuring construction activities adhered to design intent and safety protocols. We played a critical role in outage coordination and phasing plans, verifying that work aligned with scheduled outages and met compliance requirements in energized areas. Akana also managed receiving inspections for high-voltage equipment, confirming specification compliance, documenting shipment conditions, and addressing discrepancies before installation to mitigate risk and avoid delays.

Through detailed inspection logs, delivery checklists, photographic records, conformance reports and active participation in coordination meetings, Akana facilitated seamless communication among stakeholders and supported commissioning readiness. Our oversight ensured proper material verification, adherence to utility standards, and safe execution in a complex, active environment. The successful modernization of the Broad Street Substation delivered enhanced reliability, improved safety features, and advanced monitoring capabilities—strengthening system resiliency for thousands of customers in downtown Seattle.