Overview
Bairoil Substation is an operational electrical substation in Wyoming, United States, owned and operated by PacifiCorp. It plays a key role in regional power transmission and grid stability.
Bairoil Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Wyoming, United States. Owned and operated by PacifiCorp, a major utility in the western US, this facility is part of the region's high-voltage transmission network. The substation's location in a rural area with significant energy infrastructure, including wind and fossil fuel generation, underscores its importance in connecting power sources to load centers. As a substation, Bairoil likely operates at transmission-level voltages (typically 115 kV to 500 kV) and is equipped with switchgear, transformers, and protection systems compliant with NERC reliability standards. PacifiCorp, as a FERC-regulated utility, must adhere to mandatory reliability standards for grid operations. The substation's age and specific voltage level are not publicly specified, but its role in the PacifiCorp system suggests it supports both local distribution and bulk power transfer. The environmental context of Bairoil Substation includes its location in a semi-arid region with cold winters and hot summers. The substation's infrastructure is designed to withstand these conditions, and its operation supports the integration of renewable energy sources like wind power, which is abundant in Wyoming. The facility's grid role contributes to reliable electricity supply for communities and industries in the region.
Environmental context
Bairoil Substation is situated in a rural, semi-arid region of Wyoming with extreme temperature variations. The facility's design must accommodate snow loads, ice, and high winds typical of the area. Its operation supports the transmission of electricity from nearby wind farms and coal plants, contributing to the regional energy mix. The substation's location away from densely populated areas reduces direct environmental impact, but its role in grid stability is critical for integrating variable renewable energy sources.
Frequently asked questions
Bairoil Substation is located in Wyoming, United States, at coordinates 42.238723, -107.549333. It is situated in a rural area of Carbon County, near the town of Bairoil.
Bairoil Substation is owned and operated by PacifiCorp, a major electric utility serving customers in six western US states. PacifiCorp is a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Energy.
The specific voltage level of Bairoil Substation is not publicly listed. However, as part of PacifiCorp's transmission network, it likely operates at high voltages such as 115 kV, 230 kV, or 345 kV, typical for substations in the region.
As a US substation, Bairoil Substation must comply with NERC reliability standards for grid operations and FERC regulations for transmission assets. These standards cover equipment maintenance, cybersecurity, and operational protocols to ensure grid stability.
Bairoil Substation serves as a node in the regional transmission system, stepping voltage levels and routing electricity between generation sources (such as wind farms and coal plants) and distribution networks. It helps maintain grid reliability and supports the integration of renewable energy.