The Imperial Irrigation District (IID) Board of Directors took action today that leads to the construction of a new power substation in Thousand Palms, Calif., to serve increased energy demand due to the area’s rapid residential and commercial growth.

The Board’s action to approve a Funding and Reservation of Capacity Agreement, which provides for the complete construction of the new substation, estimated at $39.6 million, is 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.

The new substation 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.

Referred to as the Cook Street Substation, the project will be located just west of Cook Street, north of Interstate 10. It is one of more than 270 energy projects planned across IID’s vast service area over the next 15 years to deliver reliable and cost-effective power in support of the communities the District serves.

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.

IID has provided electrical service to the Coachella Valley since acquiring competing power companies in 1943. In the decades since, the eastern Coachella Valley has undergone substantial population and economic growth.