Overview
Beloit Substation is an operational electrical substation owned by the City of Beloit in the United States. It operates at 115 kV, serving as a key node in the local power distribution grid.
Beloit Substation is an operational electrical substation located in the United States, owned and operated by the City of Beloit. The facility operates at a voltage of 115 kV, placing it in the medium-to-high voltage range typical for distribution substations that serve urban and rural areas. As a substation, it plays a critical role in stepping down transmission-level voltages for local distribution or interconnecting different parts of the grid. The substation is situated in Kansas, a state with a diverse electrical infrastructure mix including coal, natural gas, wind, and nuclear generation. The regulatory framework for this facility falls under the jurisdiction of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for wholesale electricity markets and the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) for reliability standards. The City of Beloit, as the owner-operator, must comply with NERC's Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) standards for cybersecurity and physical security, given the substation's role in grid stability. Environmentally, the substation's operation involves minimal direct emissions, but its role in the grid supports the integration of renewable energy sources like wind power, which is abundant in Kansas. The facility's 115 kV voltage level indicates it likely serves a mix of residential, commercial, and industrial customers in the Beloit area. Proper maintenance and modernization of switchgear and transformers are essential to ensure reliable power delivery and reduce the risk of outages.
Environmental context
The substation is located in a rural area of Kansas, where the local environment is characterized by agricultural land and prairie ecosystems. Electrical infrastructure like this substation supports the regional grid, which increasingly integrates wind energy from nearby farms. The facility's operation has a low direct environmental footprint, but its reliability is crucial for minimizing power disruptions that could affect local communities and agricultural operations.
Frequently asked questions
Beloit Substation is located in the United States, specifically in the state of Kansas, near the city of Beloit. The exact coordinates are 39.546137° N, -98.096959° W.
Beloit Substation operates at a voltage of 115 kV (115,000 volts), which is typical for a distribution substation that steps down power from higher transmission voltages for local use.
Beloit Substation is owned and operated by the City of Beloit, a municipal utility that manages the local electrical distribution network.
As part of the US electrical grid, Beloit Substation must comply with NERC reliability standards, including CIP (Critical Infrastructure Protection) requirements for cybersecurity and physical security. It also operates under FERC regulations for wholesale electricity markets.
A 115 kV substation like Beloit Substation serves as a distribution hub, transforming high-voltage transmission power to lower voltages for delivery to homes, businesses, and industries. It also provides switching and protection functions to maintain grid stability.