142nd St. Substation - MidAmerican Energy Substation in Des Moines, Iowa

142nd St. Substation is an electrical substation located in the United States, specifically in the state of Iowa near Des Moines. Owned and operated by MidAmerican Energy, the facility is currently operational and plays a role in the regional power distribution network. The substation operates at a voltage of 161 kV, which is typical for sub-transmission or distribution-level infrastructure. As a substation, this facility is part of the broader electrical grid that transmits and distributes electricity from generation sources to end users. In the United States, substations like this one are subject to reliability standards set by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for interstate aspects. MidAmerican Energy, as the operator, ensures compliance with these standards to maintain grid stability. The environmental context of this substation includes its location in an urban or suburban area of Iowa, where it supports local electricity demand. Substations can have localized environmental impacts such as electromagnetic fields and visual presence, but they are generally designed to minimize ecological disruption. The facility's role in the grid contributes to the reliable supply of electricity for residential, commercial, and industrial users in the region.

The substation is located in a developed area near Des Moines, Iowa, where it integrates into the existing electrical infrastructure. Its operation involves managing high-voltage electricity, which requires careful design to mitigate electromagnetic field exposure and ensure safety. The surrounding environment is typical of suburban or urban settings, with considerations for noise and visual impact minimized through standard engineering practices.