1st phase of major electric distribution project completed in Clovis

CLOVIS, Calif. (KFSN) -- The first phase of a major electric distribution project has been completed in Clovis.

PG&E crews continued work near Clovis East High School to increase the capacity to power to the campus, as well as the new Clovis South High School.

The electrical company is anticipating a 70 percent growth in the need for electricity in Fresno and Clovis over the next 20 years.

This $47 million investment includes new infrastructure to power Clovis South and accommodate future housing and commercial developments.

A PG&E spokesperson says there was some urgency to complete phase one before the first day of school.

"We wanted to make sure that we worked closely with the Clovis Unified School District in order to meet their needs and make sure that when school opens on August 18, that Clovis South is powered up, and students will have what they need in terms of electricity for the school to be operational," says Jeff Smith.

The electric capacity project will deliver more than 24 megawatts of new capacity to the local grid.

It aims to improve service reliability to roughly 8,000 customers in East Clovis and central Fresno.

Both Clovis East and Clovis South high schools will then pull electricity from the same infrastructure.