HYPERMARKET CASE STUDY IN SURREY

The World’s Largest Hypermarket Finds a Better Deal With Trinity Power

Getting a better deal is what Walmart shoppers expect – and it’s also what the retailer itself received from Trinity Power in a recent project, converting a former Target store into a new Walmart location. Thanks to Trinity’s expertise, the temporary power required for the project came in significantly under budget, providing savings in both rental fees and fueling.

The project, at the Surrey Central Mall in Surrey, BC, involved the need for temporary power during a complex electrical upgrade at the former Target retail outlet. While other stores at the mall receive their main electrical feed through the mall’s electrical room, Walmart officials wanted this store to have its own individual feed directly from BC Hydro. A temporary power solution was needed to bypass the existing equipment while the new construction and conversion project took place.

Trinity Power was initially contacted by the architecture and engineering firm overseeing the project to provide a diesel generator and cable to power the store while the new BC Hydro feed was installed and tested – an effort estimated to take between one and three months. Due to the critical loads involved, the generator, sized at 1000kW @ 600V, would be required to run 24/7, resulting in significant rental, fuel and servicing costs. Thinking a more efficient and affordable option might be available, Trinity proposed a site visit with representatives from the project’s construction team and electrical contractor. During the visit, Trinity’s temporary power specialist suggested one of our portable packaged substations, in place of the previously specified generator.

The suggested substation was installed using a 15kV feed from the mall’s electrical room and a low-voltage connection at the newly rechristened Walmart, completely bypassing the existing equipment through the duration of the upgrade. This approach involved more upfront costs for engineering, permitting, installation and ground grid design than the initial generator plan. However, the end result was a considerable savings for the client. Monthly rental charges alone are $16,000 less with the substation, and this option also eliminated up to $73,000 in diesel costs. Overall, assuming a three-month installation, total savings could reach more than $220,000.

By providing a more efficient option at a much lower price, Trinity Power came through with a temporary power solution any Walmart shopper would appreciate.