Overview
Milwood Substation is an operational electrical substation owned by Lassen Municipal Utility District in California, USA, operating at 60 kV.
Milwood Substation is a 60 kV electrical substation located in Lassen County, California, United States. Owned and operated by Lassen Municipal Utility District, it serves as a key node in the local power distribution network, stepping down transmission-level voltage for residential and commercial use in the surrounding rural area. As a 60 kV substation, Milwood operates at a voltage level typical for sub-transmission and distribution systems in the United States. It falls under the regulatory oversight of the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and must comply with North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) reliability standards to ensure grid stability. The substation likely employs conventional air-insulated switchgear, common for its voltage class and rural setting. The substation plays a critical role in maintaining reliable electricity supply to the Lassen Municipal Utility District's service area, which includes the communities of Susanville and surrounding unincorporated areas. Its location in a seismically active region necessitates robust engineering to withstand earthquakes, ensuring continuous power delivery to customers.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in a rural, semi-arid region of northeastern California, characterized by sagebrush steppe and coniferous forests. The area experiences hot, dry summers and cold winters, with occasional wildfire risks that can impact overhead transmission lines. The substation's design likely includes fire-resistant materials and clearance protocols to mitigate wildfire ignition risks, a key environmental concern for electrical infrastructure in California.
Frequently asked questions
Milwood Substation is located in Lassen County, California, United States, near the city of Susanville. Its approximate coordinates are 40.409958° N, -120.641912° W.
Milwood Substation operates at a voltage of 60 kV, which is typical for sub-transmission and distribution substations in the United States.
Milwood Substation is owned and operated by Lassen Municipal Utility District, a public utility serving the Lassen County area in California.
Substations in the United States must comply with North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) reliability standards, as well as state-level regulations from bodies like the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). These standards cover grid stability, cybersecurity, and physical security.
A 60 kV substation typically steps down higher transmission voltages (e.g., 115 kV or 230 kV) to distribution voltages (e.g., 12 kV or 4 kV) for local delivery to homes and businesses. It also provides switching and protection functions to isolate faults and maintain grid reliability.