What is a substation?

As part of ongoing efforts to ensure electric reliability, Wright-Hennepin Cooperative Electric Association (WH) recently energized its newest substation in Plymouth, Minn. So, what is a substation anyway?

Posted by Heather Reinhart on December 4, 2017

Plymouth II Substation ribbon cutting

As part of ongoing efforts to ensure electric reliability, Wright-Hennepin Cooperative Electric Association (WH) recently energized its newest substation in Plymouth, Minn. 

So, what is a substation anyway? Substations are used to convert high voltage electricity from power plants into lower voltage levels suitable for distribution to homes and businesses.

WH invested almost $2 million in the new Plymouth II Substation, including a massive 3-phase, 115 kilovolt transformer which took seven months to build. The new addition will supply up to 28 megawatts of energy capacity. It is located northeast of the intersection of Cheshire Lane and Schmidt Lake Road in Plymouth, just west of Interstate 494.

The Plymouth II Substation is an addition to the existing Plymouth substation, which is located immediately adjacent on the same site. The new substation was required for growth in northwest Plymouth and will immediately serve 2,100 consumers. It will provide capacity to serve growing energy needs in Plymouth and the surrounding communities, providing top-tier reliability for many years to come.

plymouth II substation, wright-hennepin


Heather Reinhart

Heather Reinhart

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