IID approves new power substation in La Quinta and Thousand Palms in major upgrade to local power growth
Jesus Reyes
EL CENTRO, Calif. (KESQ) – The Imperial Irrigation District (IID) Board of Directors approved funding to build new power substations in Thousand Palms and La Quinta. It’s a move that IID officials said will help serve increased energy demand due to the area’s rapid residential and commercial growth.
The $23.2 million La Quinta project, known as the Avenue 58 Substation, will be located north of Avenue 58 and west of Monroe Street. Construction is anticipated to begin in the first quarter of 2027, with initial service connections expected to be ready by summer 2028.
Officials said 12 private developers will provide the complete funding for the expansion project, with the City of La Quinta and the County of Riverside participating financially in the event of any funding shortfall by a private developer. The developers will have three years to pay their proportional share.
IID officials said the substation will increase electrical service to about 4,000 more customers there and in adjoining areas. It comes after months of discussions over La Quinta’s electrical capacity, as substations serving the area are at or near their limits. News Channel 3’s Shay Lawson covered the issue in February.
The Thousand Palm project, referred to as the Cook Street Substation, is estimated to cost $39.6 million. The Cook Street Substation will be located just west of Cook Street, north of Interstate 10.
It will power approximately 8,000 residential and commercial customers. Construction is expected to begin in early 2027, with an in-service date anticipated by summer 2028.
IID officials said it’s a result of the District taking proactive, positive steps, engaging directly with committed Coachella Valley stakeholders.
“We have been working to facilitate creative solutions by working through the tough questions together, and this new substation is a testament to our successful collaborative efforts,” said IID General Manager Jamie Asbury.
IID said it’s one of more than 270 energy projects planned across the district’s service area over the next 15 years to deliver reliable and cost-effective power in support of the communities the District serves.
According to IID, the Cook Street Substation project will be paid through a unique agreement between the County of Riverside, the City of Rancho Mirage, the City of Palm Desert, the Berger Foundation, and two other private developers.
Each entity’s share will be proportionate to its capacity requirements and includes an initial payment of $11.8 million to procure equipment and resources to start the project. The Berger Foundation’s participation has been a key component to success as it is dedicating the site for the infrastructure upgrade.
“The work done to move this key project forward is the result of IID’s commitment to serve our growing Coachella Valley service area, and is a result of smart planning, cooperation, and mutual respect between regions,” said IID Director Karin Eugenio.
While IID’s contribution reflects the benefit to the District’s overall electrical system, and the utility will own, operate, and maintain the substation, the project will not increase costs to the District’s other ratepayers.