New Switching Station

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    BWP Dedicates New Electrical Switching Station

    BWP Dedicates New Electrical Switching Station

    On August 20, 2002, Burbank Water and Power held a dedication ceremony to mark the opening of a new electrical switching station. Which begs the question - what's a switching station?

    A switching station supplies power to electric distribution stations that serve customers directly. A key element and advantage of a switching station is that it allows for power to come from multiple sources. The energy a switching station receives can come from Burbank's own power plants or from another power plant located hundreds of miles away.

    Why are we so excited about this station?
    This new station, called the Alan Capon Switching Station, holds several advantages over older switching stations. This diagram shows BWP's Valley Switching Station, an older station that is representative of what most stations look like. The comparison photo below highlights the advanced technology used with the new station.

    Comparison of Switching Stations: Valley (pictured) Capon (inset)

     

    Alan E. Capon Switching Station:

    • Delivers as much power as Valley Switching Station while requiring only 1/8 of the land usage.

    • Can meet the electrical needs of the Media District now and into the foreseeable future.

    • Has NO exposed high voltage energized parts.

    • Requires very low maintenance.

    • Is safer due to automated switching.

    • Has less visual impact and was designed to match its current surroundings.

    This new electrical switching station, Burbank's fourth, was affectionately named after Alan E. Capon. Alan Capon was a 32-year employee with what was then called the Public Service Department and he served as the General Manager from 1970 to 1973. Under Mr. Capon's leadership, the water and power department took on several large electric capital projects. These included our original on-site power plants and 13 of the 15 original distributing stations.

    Mr. Capon's leadership also extended to the wider Burbank community. He served on the Board of Directors of the Burbank YMCA and the Burbank Symphony Association, and was an active member of Kiwanis International.

    As we continue to modernize our facilities, our older stations, with their exposed steel and clutter, will give way to stations that are more attractive, as well as more secure electrically. We like to think that Alan E. Capon would be proud to see that BWP is continuing to uphold a tradition of excellence and commitment to community service.