Overview
Mary's Lake Substation is an operational electrical substation in Colorado, United States, owned by the Western Area Power Administration. It operates at 115 kV and 69 kV voltage levels.
Mary's Lake Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Colorado, United States. Owned by the Western Area Power Administration (WAPA), the facility plays a key role in the regional transmission grid. The substation operates at dual voltage levels of 115 kV and 69 kV, indicating its function in stepping down power for distribution or interconnecting transmission lines. As part of WAPA's infrastructure, Mary's Lake Substation is subject to North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) reliability standards and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) regulation for transmission-level assets. The substation's voltage levels are typical for sub-transmission and distribution networks, serving to deliver electricity from high-voltage transmission lines to local utilities. The facility's location in Colorado's mountainous region suggests it supports grid stability in a geographically challenging area. The substation contributes to the electrical infrastructure of the region by facilitating power transfer and voltage regulation. Its operational status ensures continued service to the surrounding communities and industrial users. The facility's integration into WAPA's broader system underscores its role in maintaining reliable electricity supply across the western United States.
Environmental context
Located in the Rocky Mountain region of Colorado, Mary's Lake Substation operates in an area with significant elevation and variable climate conditions. The substation's design must account for potential snow and ice accumulation, as well as wildfire risks common to the region. Its voltage levels and equipment are typical for sub-transmission infrastructure that supports both urban and rural loads, with environmental considerations including electromagnetic field management and vegetation clearance to maintain safety and reliability.
Frequently asked questions
Mary's Lake Substation is located in Colorado, United States, near coordinates 40.345411, -105.536505.
Mary's Lake Substation operates at 115 kV and 69 kV voltage levels.
Mary's Lake Substation is owned by the Western Area Power Administration (WAPA), a federal power marketing administration.
As part of the US electrical grid, Mary's Lake Substation must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations for transmission and sub-transmission assets.
Substations like Mary's Lake step down high-voltage electricity from transmission lines to lower voltages for distribution, and also provide switching, protection, and voltage regulation to ensure grid stability.