Overview
Vital Substation is an operational electrical substation in the United States, owned and operated by ITC. It operates at voltage levels of 120 kV and 13.2 kV, supporting regional grid stability.
Vital Substation is an operational electrical substation located in the United States, specifically near coordinates 41.963205, -83.651822, which places it in southeastern Michigan. Owned and operated by ITC, a major independent transmission company, this facility plays a key role in the regional power grid. The substation handles voltage levels of 120,000 volts (120 kV) and 13,200 volts (13.2 kV), indicating it serves both transmission and distribution functions. As part of the U.S. electrical infrastructure, Vital Substation operates under the regulatory oversight of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and must comply with North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) reliability standards. These standards ensure grid stability and security, particularly for high-voltage assets like this substation. The facility's dual voltage levels suggest it connects bulk transmission lines to local distribution networks, a common configuration in suburban and rural areas. Environmentally, the substation's location in a region with variable weather conditions, including winter storms and summer heat waves, requires robust design to maintain reliability. As part of ITC's network, Vital Substation contributes to the delivery of electricity to homes, businesses, and industries, supporting economic activity and community well-being. Its operational status underscores its ongoing role in the interconnected U.S. power system.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in a region with a temperate climate, experiencing seasonal temperature extremes that can affect electrical equipment performance. Its location in a mixed urban-rural area means it supports both residential and agricultural electricity demand. The facility's design must account for potential ice storms and high winds, which are common in the Great Lakes region, to ensure uninterrupted power supply.
Frequently asked questions
Vital Substation is located in the United States, near coordinates 41.963205, -83.651822, which places it in southeastern Michigan. The exact address is not publicly listed, but it is within the service area of ITC.
Vital Substation operates at two voltage levels: 120,000 volts (120 kV) for transmission and 13,200 volts (13.2 kV) for distribution, allowing it to step down power from high-voltage lines to local networks.
Vital Substation is owned and operated by ITC, a major independent electricity transmission company in the United States. ITC focuses on high-voltage transmission infrastructure.
As part of the U.S. electrical grid, Vital Substation must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations. These ensure the substation operates safely and reliably, contributing to overall grid stability.
Substations like Vital are critical nodes in the electrical grid, transforming voltage levels and routing power between transmission and distribution systems. They help maintain grid reliability and enable electricity delivery to end users.