Universities with Utility-Like Aspect

​Universities with extensive medium-voltage power distribution systems often manage their own substations and distribution networks to efficiently serve their campuses. While specific rankings are not readily available, several universities are known for their substantial medium-voltage power distribution infrastructures:​k-state.edu+2forums.mikeholt.com+2spaces4learning.com+2

1. University of California, San Diego (UCSD): UCSD operates a 30-megawatt microgrid that generates over 90% of its annual electricity demand, showcasing a significant medium-voltage distribution system. ​trellis.net

2. Michigan State University (MSU): MSU’s T.B. Simon Power Plant is a multi-fuel cogeneration facility with a capacity of 99.3 MW, providing electricity and district heating to the campus. ​en.wikipedia.org+1en.wikipedia.org+1

3. University of Wisconsin-Madison: The West Campus Cogeneration Facility, jointly owned by the university and Madison Gas and Electric, has a capacity of 150 MW, supplying electricity and steam heat to the campus. ​en.wikipedia.org

4. Texas A&M University: The university owns and operates its medium-voltage electrical service and distribution system, functioning similarly to an electric utility to meet campus power needs. ​en.wikipedia.org+2facilities.tamu.edu+2forums.mikeholt.com+2

5. University of California, Riverside (UCR): UCR’s electrical distribution system handles a baseline load of approximately 25.5 MW for its main campus, indicating a robust medium-voltage infrastructure. ​pdc.ucr.edu

6. Kansas State University: The campus’s primary electrical distribution system includes 12,470-volt loops, substations, and provisions for future expansion, reflecting a comprehensive medium-voltage network. ​k-state.edu

7. Western Washington University (WWU): WWU’s medium-voltage system operates at 12.47 kV, distributing power across the campus through a loop configuration from the Viking Electrical Substation. ​fdo.wwu.edu+1k-state.edu+1

8. State University of New York (SUNY) System: Many SUNY campuses are equipped with medium-voltage (5kV – 15kV) electrical services, distributing power to each building via medium-voltage switchgear and underground feeders. ​forums.mikeholt.com+4sucf.suny.edu+4fdo.wwu.edu+4

9. University of California, Irvine (UCI): UCI’s central plant and distribution system manage the campus’s medium-voltage power needs, supporting extensive research facilities and residential areas.​

10. University of Texas at Austin: The university operates its own medium-voltage distribution system, including substations and a network of underground cables, to reliably serve its large campus.