Overview
Pokagon Substation is an operational electrical substation in the United States, owned and operated by American Electric Power. It operates at a voltage of 138 kV, serving as a key node in the regional transmission grid.
Pokagon Substation is an operational electrical substation located in the United States, owned and operated by American Electric Power (AEP). The facility operates at a voltage of 138 kV, which is a common transmission-level voltage in the U.S. grid, indicating its role in stepping down power from higher-voltage lines for distribution or interconnecting local networks. As a substation within the AEP system, Pokagon Substation is subject to North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) reliability standards and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) regulations for transmission assets. The 138 kV voltage level places it in the medium-to-high voltage range, typical for subtransmission or distribution substations that serve industrial, commercial, and residential loads. The facility's location in southwestern Michigan positions it within the PJM Interconnection regional transmission organization, which coordinates grid operations across multiple states. The substation plays a critical role in maintaining grid stability and reliability for the surrounding area. Its operational status ensures continued power delivery to local communities and industries. As part of AEP's extensive transmission network, Pokagon Substation contributes to the resilience of the regional electrical infrastructure, supporting economic activity and daily life in the region.
Environmental context
The substation is located in a rural area of southwestern Michigan, near the town of Pokagon. The surrounding landscape is primarily agricultural and forested, with the facility's footprint relatively small. Substations at this voltage level typically have minimal direct environmental impact, though they are essential for integrating renewable energy sources and managing grid stability. The site's location away from dense urban areas reduces potential electromagnetic field exposure concerns, while standard mitigation measures for oil containment and wildlife protection are likely in place.
Frequently asked questions
Pokagon Substation is located in southwestern Michigan, United States, near the community of Pokagon. Its approximate coordinates are 41.876015 N, -86.176178 W.
Pokagon Substation operates at a voltage of 138 kV (138,000 volts), which is a common transmission-level voltage in the United States used for subtransmission and distribution.
Pokagon Substation is owned and operated by American Electric Power (AEP), one of the largest electric utilities in the United States.
As part of the U.S. electrical grid, Pokagon Substation must comply with North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) reliability standards and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) regulations for transmission assets.
A 138 kV substation typically steps down voltage from higher transmission lines (e.g., 345 kV) for distribution to local networks or industrial customers. It also provides switching and protection functions to maintain grid stability.