Overview
Buford Road Substation is an operational electrical substation in Arkansas, United States, operated by North Arkansas Electric Cooperative. It operates at a voltage of 161 kV, serving the local grid.
Buford Road Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Arkansas, United States. Owned and operated by North Arkansas Electric Cooperative, this facility plays a key role in the regional power distribution network. The substation operates at a voltage of 161 kV, which is typical for sub-transmission and distribution-level infrastructure in rural cooperative systems. As a substation under the North Arkansas Electric Cooperative, Buford Road Substation is subject to regulatory oversight by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and must comply with North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) reliability standards. These standards ensure grid stability and security, particularly for cooperative utilities that serve rural and suburban areas. The 161 kV voltage level indicates this substation likely connects transmission lines to local distribution networks. The substation's location in north-central Arkansas supports the electric cooperative's mission to provide reliable power to its member-owners. Substations like Buford Road are critical for voltage regulation and load management, helping to maintain consistent electricity supply for residential, agricultural, and commercial customers in the region.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in a rural area of Arkansas, where the surrounding landscape includes forests and agricultural land. Electrical infrastructure in such settings must consider potential impacts on local wildlife and vegetation, particularly during construction and maintenance. The 161 kV voltage level poses minimal environmental risk compared to higher-voltage transmission lines, but standard practices for stormwater management and vegetation control are typically employed to minimize ecological disruption.
Frequently asked questions
Buford Road Substation is located in Arkansas, United States, at coordinates 36.242427, -92.432876. It is owned and operated by North Arkansas Electric Cooperative.
Buford Road Substation operates at a voltage of 161 kV, which is a common voltage level for sub-transmission and distribution substations in the United States.
Buford Road Substation is owned and operated by North Arkansas Electric Cooperative, a member-owned utility serving rural areas in north-central Arkansas.
Substations in the United States must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations. These standards cover grid reliability, cybersecurity, and equipment maintenance to ensure stable power delivery.
A 161 kV substation typically steps down transmission-level voltage for distribution to local networks. It helps regulate voltage, protect circuits, and route power to residential, commercial, and industrial customers.