Overview
Ray Lewis Substation is an operational electrical substation in the United States, owned by Sangre de Cristo Electric Association. It operates at 115 kV, serving the local grid.
Ray Lewis Substation is an operational electrical substation located in the United States, owned and operated by Sangre de Cristo Electric Association. The facility operates at a voltage of 115 kV, placing it in the medium-voltage range typical for distribution-level substations that serve rural and semi-urban areas. As a substation in the United States, Ray Lewis Substation operates under the regulatory framework established by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). These standards ensure grid reliability and security, with requirements for maintenance, protection systems, and compliance reporting. The 115 kV voltage level is common for sub-transmission systems that connect bulk power to local distribution networks. The substation plays a critical role in the electrical infrastructure of the region, providing voltage transformation and switching capabilities to ensure stable power delivery to homes, businesses, and critical facilities. Its location in Colorado's mountainous terrain underscores its importance in maintaining grid resilience in areas prone to weather-related disruptions.
Environmental context
The substation is located in a mountainous region of Colorado, where environmental factors such as snow, ice, and wildfire risk can impact infrastructure reliability. The 115 kV voltage level is typical for sub-transmission lines that traverse natural landscapes, requiring vegetation management and wildlife protection measures. The facility's design likely incorporates grounding and insulation systems suited to the local climate.
Frequently asked questions
Ray Lewis Substation is located in the United States, in the state of Colorado, near coordinates 38.7125, -106.1269. It is owned and operated by Sangre de Cristo Electric Association.
Ray Lewis Substation operates at a voltage of 115 kV (115,000 volts), which is a common voltage level for sub-transmission and distribution substations in the United States.
Ray Lewis Substation is owned by Sangre de Cristo Electric Association, an electric cooperative that provides power to rural areas in Colorado.
Substations in the United States must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations. These cover areas such as maintenance, protection systems, and cybersecurity to ensure grid stability.
A 115 kV substation typically steps down voltage from transmission lines (e.g., 230 kV or higher) to distribution levels (e.g., 12 kV or 34.5 kV) for local delivery. It also provides switching and protection functions to isolate faults and maintain service reliability.