Pictured is the regulator of the Ouray mobile substation. This piece of core equipment, used to distribute electricity to Ouray, is mounted on a large truck-drawn trailer, along with its counterpart transformer [not shown]. Both components provide a secondary system we can rely on while we continue to maintain and upgrade our existing substation.
In September, San Miguel Power Association (SMPA) completed important maintenance and upgrades at the Ouray Substation, helping ensure safe, reliable electric service for the community for years to come.
Substations convert high-voltage electricity into lower-voltage power suitable for delivery to homes, businesses and community institutions. Like all major electrical infrastructure, they require regular maintenance and upgrades.
In Ouray, that work presented unique challenges. Steep terrain and the substation’s compact footprint limited available space and the substation design made it impossible to service without mobile equipment typically deployed during major substation projects.
SMPA developed a creative solution using a spare trailer-mounted transformer, regulators and custom engineering to create a mobile substation specifically suited to the site. The equipment is divided between two smaller trailers, allowing it to be positioned around the existing substation.
The solution was more than five years in the making, involving planning, purchasing, engineering and construction. The September project marked the culmination of that eff ort and allowed SMPA to complete critical work while maintaining reliable service.
SMPA now owns the custom mobile substation. Once the Ouray upgrades are complete, it will be housed at the Ridgway office, ready to support future maintenance projects or emergencies. It’s a practical example of how SMPA adapts to challenging conditions to keep our local electric system reliable.