Power Transmission from Big Creek

This chart created by Royal W. Sorenson depicts a stress test done to transmission line cables to determine their durability. The test was conducted at 150, 175, 200, and 230 Amps with varying weights straining them. Sorenson could conlude that a lower power load could result in much greater durability for long-distance transmission wires.

This experiment was important because Big Creek was much further from Los Angeles, where the power was needed, than Borel. The transmission line from Big Creek was around 250 miles long (Hanson), twice as long as Borel's and the longest in the country at the time.

The power output of Station No. 2 was ramped up over time, but began at around 60,000 kW. The lines were energized at 135,000 volts (Westinghouse), requiring Sorenson's notable invention, the vacuum switch (Caltech), to control. This power, alongside power from the other stations around Big Creek and Borel, were instrumental precursors to establishing Herny Huntington's Dominance in the decades to come.