Smallwood Dam Substation - Consumers Energy Electrical Substation in Michigan

Smallwood Dam Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Michigan, United States. Owned and operated by Consumers Energy, a major utility in the region, the substation plays a role in the state's electrical infrastructure. The facility operates at voltage levels of 46 kV and 4.8 kV, indicating its function in stepping down transmission-level power for distribution. As part of the U.S. electrical grid, the substation operates under the regulatory framework of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) reliability standards and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) oversight for transmission-level assets. The substation's voltage levels suggest it serves both sub-transmission and distribution functions, typical for facilities connecting bulk power to local networks. Consumers Energy, the owner and operator, is a regulated utility serving over 1.8 million electric customers in Michigan. The substation's location in Michigan places it within a region with diverse industrial and residential demand. Its operational status indicates ongoing contribution to grid stability and power delivery. The facility's age and specific equipment are not detailed, but its role in the Consumers Energy network underscores its importance to local electricity supply.

The substation is situated in a rural area of Michigan, near the Smallwood Dam, which influences local hydrology and land use. Electrical infrastructure in such settings must consider proximity to water bodies for flood risk and environmental compliance. The substation's voltage levels and location suggest it supports both residential and potential agricultural or light industrial loads, with environmental considerations focused on electromagnetic field management and stormwater runoff.