Overview
Alfred Substation is an operational electrical substation in Detroit, Michigan, owned and operated by ITC. It operates at 120 kV and 13.2 kV, serving the local grid.
Alfred Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Detroit, Michigan, United States. Owned and operated by ITC, a major independent transmission company, the facility plays a key role in the regional power grid. The substation's voltage levels of 120 kV and 13.2 kV indicate it serves both transmission and distribution functions. Operating under the jurisdiction of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and subject to North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) reliability standards, Alfred Substation adheres to stringent grid stability and security requirements. ITC's portfolio includes high-voltage transmission assets across the Midwest, and this substation is part of the interconnected network that supports electricity delivery to the Detroit metropolitan area. The substation's urban location in Detroit places it in a densely populated area with significant electricity demand. Its role in stepping down voltage from transmission to distribution levels is critical for local residential, commercial, and industrial customers. The facility contributes to grid reliability and resilience in a region that experiences seasonal weather extremes, including winter storms and summer heat waves.
Environmental context
Located in an urban area of Detroit, the substation's environmental context is shaped by its proximity to residential and industrial zones. The surrounding infrastructure includes roads, buildings, and utility corridors. The substation's operation involves electromagnetic fields and potential oil containment from transformers, which are managed under environmental regulations. The site's impervious surfaces contribute to stormwater runoff, typical for urban electrical infrastructure.
Frequently asked questions
Alfred Substation is located in Detroit, Michigan, United States, at coordinates 42.350179, -83.036496.
Alfred Substation is owned and operated by ITC, an independent transmission company that manages high-voltage electricity transmission in the Midwest.
Alfred Substation operates at 120 kV (transmission) and 13.2 kV (distribution), indicating it serves both high-voltage transmission and local distribution functions.
As part of the US grid, Alfred Substation must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations, which govern grid stability, security, and operational practices.
Substations like Alfred step down high-voltage electricity from transmission lines to lower voltages for distribution to homes and businesses, and they also provide switching and protection for the grid.