Overview
Poplar St. Substation is an operational electrical substation in Dowagiac, Michigan, owned and operated by the City of Dowagiac Electric Department. It operates at 34.5 kV, serving the local distribution grid.
Poplar St. Substation is an electrical substation located in Dowagiac, Michigan, United States. Owned and operated by the City of Dowagiac Electric Department, this facility is part of the local electrical infrastructure that distributes power to residential and commercial customers in the area. The substation operates at a voltage of 34.5 kV, which is typical for medium-voltage distribution substations that step down power from higher transmission voltages for local use. The substation operates under the regulatory framework of the United States, where electric utilities must comply with North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) reliability standards and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) regulations for transmission-level assets. As a municipal utility, the City of Dowagiac Electric Department is subject to state-level oversight by the Michigan Public Service Commission, ensuring safe and reliable service. The substation's voltage level and role in the distribution network classify it as a medium-scale facility within the broader electrical grid. Poplar St. Substation plays a critical role in maintaining grid stability and power quality for the Dowagiac community. Its operational status ensures that local homes and businesses receive reliable electricity. The substation's location in a small urban setting underscores its importance in supporting the city's economic activities and daily life. As part of the municipal utility's infrastructure, it contributes to the resilience and efficiency of the local power system.
Environmental context
The substation is located in a mixed urban and rural area in southwestern Michigan, near the Dowagiac River. The local environment is characterized by temperate climate with seasonal variations that can affect electrical demand and infrastructure performance. The substation's operation involves electromagnetic fields and potential noise, which are managed through standard mitigation practices. Its presence supports the electrification of the community, reducing reliance on local fossil fuel combustion for energy.
Frequently asked questions
Poplar St. Substation is located in Dowagiac, Michigan, United States, at coordinates 41.988537, -86.118983.
Poplar St. Substation operates at a voltage of 34.5 kV, which is typical for a medium-voltage distribution substation.
The substation is owned and operated by the City of Dowagiac Electric Department, a municipal utility serving the Dowagiac area.
As part of the U.S. electrical grid, Poplar St. Substation must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations for transmission-level assets, as well as state-level oversight by the Michigan Public Service Commission.
Substations like Poplar St. step down high-voltage electricity from transmission lines to lower voltages suitable for distribution to homes and businesses, ensuring stable and reliable power delivery.