Overview
Bicentennial Substation is an operational 115 kV substation in North Dakota, United States, owned and operated by McKenzie Electric Cooperative. It plays a key role in regional electrical distribution.
Bicentennial Substation is an operational electrical substation located in North Dakota, United States, owned and operated by McKenzie Electric Cooperative. The facility operates at a voltage level of 115 kV, which is typical for sub-transmission and distribution substations serving rural and semi-urban areas. As part of the McKenzie Electric Cooperative network, it supports reliable electricity delivery to member consumers in the region. The substation operates under the regulatory framework of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), which enforce reliability standards for the bulk power system. In the United States, substations like Bicentennial are subject to NERC's Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) standards, ensuring cybersecurity and physical security. The 115 kV voltage class is common for distribution substations that step down power from higher transmission voltages for local distribution. Bicentennial Substation contributes to the electrical infrastructure of North Dakota, a state with significant energy production from oil, gas, and wind resources. The substation's location in a rural area underscores its importance in maintaining grid stability and providing electricity to agricultural and residential customers. Its operation by a cooperative reflects the community-focused model of rural electrification in the United States.
Environmental context
The substation is located in a rural area of North Dakota, characterized by agricultural land and low population density. The 115 kV voltage level indicates it is a distribution substation, which typically has a smaller environmental footprint compared to high-voltage transmission substations. The surrounding environment is likely to include farmland and open prairie, with minimal impact from the substation beyond the immediate fenced area. The facility's operation supports local energy needs without significant alteration to the natural landscape.
Frequently asked questions
Bicentennial Substation is located in North Dakota, United States, at coordinates 47.387318, -103.852091. It is owned and operated by McKenzie Electric Cooperative.
Bicentennial Substation operates at a voltage of 115 kV, which is a common voltage level for distribution substations in the United States.
Bicentennial Substation is operated by McKenzie Electric Cooperative, a member-owned electric utility serving rural areas in North Dakota.
As part of the US bulk power system, Bicentennial Substation must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations, including Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) standards for security.
A 115 kV substation typically steps down transmission voltage to distribution levels for local delivery. It is a key node in the electrical grid, ensuring reliable power supply to residential, commercial, and agricultural customers.