Lyons UHV Transformer Substation - Ultra-High-Voltage Facility in Oregon, USA

Lyons UHV Transformer is a substation located in Oregon, United States, operated by the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA). It operates at an ultra-high voltage of 1,100 kV, making it a critical node in the regional electrical grid for long-distance power transmission. The substation is part of BPA's high-voltage transmission network, which is regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and adheres to North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) reliability standards. The 1,100 kV voltage level places this facility among the highest-voltage substations globally, designed to minimize transmission losses over large distances. This substation plays a key role in integrating renewable energy resources from the Pacific Northwest, including hydropower from the Columbia River system, into the broader Western Interconnection. Its ultra-high-voltage capability supports grid stability and efficient power transfer across multiple states.

The substation is located in a rural area of Oregon, surrounded by agricultural land and forests. Its ultra-high-voltage operation requires significant land use for transmission corridors, which can impact local ecosystems. The facility's role in transmitting renewable energy helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions by enabling clean power delivery from hydroelectric and wind sources.