Northwest Loop Capacity Upgrades Project

The Northwest Loop Capacity Upgrades Project, managed by the City of Santa Clara and Silicon Valley Power, involves the replacement of approximately 12,000 feet of existing 60 kilovolt electrical conductor to increase capacity for a new data center. The scope of work includes replacing the conductor with bundled 715 aluminum conductor composite reinforced material, updating the 12 kV distribution underbuild, and replacing fiber optic cables. These upgrades will occur across two primary segments: from the Northern Receiving Station to the Mission Substation and from the Scott Receiving Station to the Central Substation. The project also requires modifying or replacing existing poles with excavation depths up to 15 inches and installing guard structures at road crossings, all within existing rights-of-way. Construction is scheduled to begin in January or February 2026 and is expected to last approximately four weeks, with work hours limited to Monday through Friday from 7 A.M. to 6 P.M. The project is classified as a categorical exemption under CEQA Section 15302 for Replacement or Reconstruction. Administrative oversight is led by Principal Planner John Davidson and Electric Program Manager Ryan Do. Following the completion of construction, Silicon Valley Power's existing maintenance and operations group will be responsible for all ongoing inspection, patrol, and maintenance duties. Supporting documentation for the project includes a Biological Resources Memorandum and a Cultural Resource Assessment.