Overview
Erickson Substation is an operational electrical substation in Lansing, Michigan, owned and operated by the Lansing Board of Water and Light. It operates at 138 kV, serving as a key node in the local transmission grid.
Erickson Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Lansing, Michigan, United States. Owned and operated by the Lansing Board of Water and Light (LBWL), the facility operates at a voltage of 138 kV, placing it within the high-voltage transmission category. As a substation, it plays a critical role in stepping down transmission-level voltages for distribution to residential, commercial, and industrial customers in the Lansing area. The substation's 138 kV voltage level is typical for sub-transmission or transmission applications in the United States, where voltages above 100 kV are regulated under NERC reliability standards and FERC oversight for grid stability. LBWL, a municipal utility, operates this facility as part of its integrated power system, which includes generation, transmission, and distribution assets. The substation likely employs modern switchgear and protection systems compliant with IEEE and NERC standards, though specific equipment details are not disclosed. Erickson Substation's operational status and location in an urban area underscore its importance to local grid reliability. As part of LBWL's network, it supports the delivery of electricity to approximately 96,000 customers in the Greater Lansing region. The facility's role in voltage regulation and load balancing contributes to the resilience of Michigan's electrical infrastructure, particularly during peak demand periods or extreme weather events common in the Midwest.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in an urban environment in Lansing, Michigan, where electrical infrastructure must contend with seasonal temperature extremes and occasional severe storms. The 138 kV voltage level indicates a significant role in the regional transmission grid, with potential environmental considerations including electromagnetic field management and stormwater runoff from the substation yard. Urban substations like this one are typically designed with containment measures for insulating fluids and are subject to local zoning and environmental regulations.
Frequently asked questions
Erickson Substation is located in Lansing, Michigan, United States, at coordinates 42.692140, -84.659945.
Erickson Substation is owned and operated by the Lansing Board of Water and Light (LBWL), a municipal utility serving the Greater Lansing area.
Erickson Substation operates at 138 kV, which is a high-voltage level used for sub-transmission or transmission in the US electrical grid.
In the United States, substations operating above 100 kV are subject to NERC reliability standards and FERC regulation. Facilities must comply with requirements for grid stability, protection systems, and cybersecurity.
Substations like Erickson serve as nodes in the transmission and distribution network, stepping voltage up or down, isolating faults, and enabling power flow control to ensure reliable electricity delivery.