A new substation being built by Guthrie County Rural Electric Cooperative (REC) in partnership with Perry Economic Development will support future business expansion in the Perry Industrial Park. The 5 MW electrical transformer substation will be known as the Bluejay substation and will provide the necessary infrastructure to support future business expansion of the area. “Guthrie County REC is a critical partner, vital to Perry’s expansion,” says Matt McDevitt, president of Perry Industries. “Adding this substation in the Perry Industrial Park is further evidence that Perry is a vibrant, growing city.”

Cozy Nelsen, CEO of Guthrie County REC, adds that the Bluejay substation allows Guthrie County REC to serve a larger electrical load and provide better voltage to businesses nearby. It also provides Guthrie County REC members with additional backup power sources.

“I have worked alongside the Perry Economic Development group for many years,” she says. “Honestly, Guthrie County has several ongoing construction projects, so Perry Economic Development group taking the lead within their industrial park is invaluable.”

Planning for the substation began in the spring of 2022 after the Perry Industrial Park was certified to handle electric load. The co-op will install a 5/6.25 MVA transformer to complete the project in July.

“The Perry Industrial Park was among the first group certified by the Iowa Economic Development Authority in 2017 and recertified in 2022,” says Iowa Area Development Group President Bruce Nuzum.

“In addition to the recent spec buildings constructed in the park, this substation is yet another proactive move to meet the needs of the growing companies in the park and enhance the attractiveness for other businesses considering Perry for their location.”

Pictured above from left to right: Bruce Hansen, Iowa Area Development Group; Eddie Dias, Perry Industries; Jim Mazour, Don Schwartz and Michael Moore, Guthrie County REC board members; Cozy Nelsen, CEO of Guthrie County REC; Steve Bireline, Ron Bristle and Julie Kiley, Guthrie County REC board members; Scott Finneseth, Perry Industries; Bruce Nuzum, Iowa Area Development Group; Matt McDevitt, Perry Industries; and Deb Lucht, Perry Industries.