Distribution voltages are typically medium voltage, between 2.4 kV and 33 kV, depending on the size of the area served and the practices of the local utility. Input voltage may be, for example, 115 kV, or whatever is common in the area. The input for a distribution substation is typically at least two transmission or sub-transmission lines. It is uneconomical to directly connect electricity consumers to the main transmission network, unless they use large amounts of power, so the distribution station reduces voltage to a level suitable for local distribution. Ī distribution substation transfers power from the transmission system to the distribution system of an area. Disguises for substations are common in many cities.

A warning notice can be clearly seen on the 'front door'. The first substations were connected to only one power station, where the generators were housed, and were subsidiaries of that power station.Ī distribution substation in Scarborough, Ontario disguised as a house, complete with a driveway, front walk and a mown lawn and shrubs in the front yard.

As central generation stations became larger, smaller generating plants were converted to distribution stations, receiving their energy supply from a larger plant instead of using their own generators. The word substation comes from the days before the distribution system became a grid. Generally substations are unattended, relying on SCADA for remote supervision and control. Substations may be owned and operated by an electrical utility, or may be owned by a large industrial or commercial customer. A substation may include transformers to change voltage levels between high transmission voltages and lower distribution voltages, or at the interconnection of two different transmission voltages. Between the generating station and consumer, electric power may flow through several substations at different voltage levels. Substations transform voltage from high to low, or the reverse, or perform any of several other important functions. This substation shows elements of low-profile construction apparatus is mounted on individual columns.Ī substation is a part of an electrical generation, transmission, and distribution system. A 115 kV to 41.6/12.47 kV 5 MVA 60 Hz substation with circuit switcher, regulators, reclosers and control building at Warren, Minnesota.

Electric power substation locations