Overview
Big Swan Substation is an operational electrical substation in the United States, handling voltages of 115 kV and 69 kV. It plays a key role in regional grid stability and power distribution.
Big Swan Substation is an operational electrical substation located in the United States, with coordinates 45.092581, -94.280719. It operates at voltage levels of 115 kV and 69 kV, placing it within the medium-to-high voltage range typical for sub-transmission and distribution substations. The facility is part of the broader electrical infrastructure supporting the regional power grid. 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 transmission and distribution assets. The voltage levels suggest it serves as a critical node for stepping down power from higher transmission voltages to distribution networks, likely serving industrial, commercial, and residential loads in the surrounding area. As a substation, Big Swan Substation contributes to grid resilience and reliability by enabling voltage regulation and load balancing. Its location in the United States places it within a well-regulated environment with established maintenance and operational protocols. The facility's role is essential for ensuring stable electricity supply to local communities and supporting the integration of distributed energy resources.
Environmental context
The substation is located in a rural area of Minnesota, characterized by agricultural land and scattered residential developments. The local environment is subject to seasonal weather extremes, including cold winters and thunderstorms, which can impact grid reliability. The facility's design likely incorporates measures to withstand these conditions, such as robust insulation and grounding systems. The surrounding ecosystem includes wetlands and waterways, requiring careful management of potential oil spills from transformers to protect local water quality.
Frequently asked questions
Big Swan Substation is located in the United States at coordinates 45.092581, -94.280719, in a rural area of Minnesota.
Big Swan Substation operates at 115 kV and 69 kV, which are typical for sub-transmission and distribution substations.
Big Swan Substation is currently operational, serving as an active node in the regional power grid.
As a US substation, it must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations for grid stability and safety.
Substations like Big Swan step down high-voltage electricity for distribution, regulate voltage, and help maintain grid reliability by isolating faults.