Overview
Big Springs Substation, operated by Nebraska Public Power District, is an operational 115 kV substation in Nebraska, United States, supporting regional grid stability and power distribution.
Big Springs Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Nebraska, United States, and operated by Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD). The facility operates at a voltage of 115 kV, placing it in the medium-voltage transmission range typical for regional power distribution in rural areas. As part of NPPD's network, it plays a role in delivering electricity to communities and industries in western Nebraska. The substation operates under the regulatory framework of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) reliability standards and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for transmission-level assets. In the United States, substations like Big Springs are subject to mandatory reliability standards, including NERC's Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) requirements for cybersecurity and physical security. The 115 kV voltage level is common for sub-transmission systems that connect bulk power transmission to local distribution networks. Big Springs Substation serves as a key node in Nebraska's electrical infrastructure, supporting grid stability and power delivery to the surrounding region. Its location in a rural area underscores its importance for agricultural and residential electricity supply. The substation's operational status and integration into NPPD's network contribute to the reliability of the regional power system, which is essential for economic activities and community well-being.
Environmental context
The substation is located in a rural area of Nebraska, characterized by agricultural land and low population density. The 115 kV voltage level indicates moderate electromagnetic field exposure, which is typical for such facilities. The site's environmental impact is minimal, with standard measures for oil containment from transformers and vegetation management to prevent outages. The surrounding ecosystem includes grasslands and croplands, with no significant sensitive habitats nearby.
Frequently asked questions
Big Springs Substation is located in Nebraska, United States, near the coordinates 41.103474, -102.131474. It is operated by Nebraska Public Power District.
Big Springs Substation operates at a voltage of 115 kV, which is a medium-voltage level commonly used for sub-transmission and regional power distribution in the United States.
Big Springs Substation is operated by Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD), a public power utility serving Nebraska.
As a substation in the United States, Big Springs Substation must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations, including Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) standards for cybersecurity and physical security.
A 115 kV substation typically serves as a sub-transmission node, stepping down voltage from higher transmission lines (e.g., 230 kV or 345 kV) to distribution levels (e.g., 34.5 kV or 12.47 kV) for local delivery to industrial, commercial, and residential customers.