Overview
Billings is a substation in Montana, United States, operated by Northwestern Energy. It operates at 100 kV and 69 kV, serving the local grid.
Billings is a substation located in Montana, United States, and operated by Northwestern Energy. The facility operates at voltage levels of 100 kV and 69 kV, indicating it plays a role in both transmission and sub-transmission within the regional electrical infrastructure. As part of the U.S. electrical grid, this substation operates under the regulatory framework of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). These standards ensure reliability and security for the interconnected power system. The substation likely includes modern switchgear and automation systems compliant with standards such as ISO/IEC 61850 for substation automation. This substation is critical for maintaining grid stability in the Billings area, serving residential, commercial, and industrial customers. Its location in Montana, a state with significant renewable energy resources, may also support the integration of wind and hydroelectric power into the grid.
Environmental context
The substation is located in Billings, Montana, a region with a semi-arid climate and diverse energy mix including coal, hydro, and wind. The facility's voltage levels suggest it is part of the transmission network, which can have environmental impacts through land use and electromagnetic fields. However, modern substations are designed to minimize ecological disruption and comply with environmental regulations.
Frequently asked questions
The Billings substation is located in Montana, United States, near the city of Billings. Its coordinates are approximately 45.7665 N, -108.5364 W.
The Billings substation operates at voltage levels of 100 kV and 69 kV, which are typical for transmission and sub-transmission in the U.S. grid.
The Billings substation is operated by Northwestern Energy, a utility company serving customers in Montana and surrounding areas.
Substations in the United States must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations. Additionally, substation automation often follows the ISO/IEC 61850 standard.
The Billings substation helps distribute electricity from transmission lines to local distribution networks, ensuring reliable power supply to residential, commercial, and industrial customers in the Billings area.