Overview
Cardinal Substation is an operational electrical substation in the United States, owned and operated by American Transmission Company. It handles voltages of 345 kV and 138 kV, serving as a key node in the regional transmission grid.
Cardinal Substation is an operational electrical substation located in the United States, owned and operated by American Transmission Company (ATC). The facility handles transmission-level voltages of 345 kV and 138 kV, positioning it as a critical asset within the regional high-voltage grid. As part of ATC's network, it supports the reliable delivery of electricity across the Midwest. 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 bulk power systems. The 345 kV voltage level is typical for long-distance transmission, while the 138 kV level serves sub-transmission and distribution functions. The facility's equipment likely includes modern switchgear and automation systems compliant with industry standards. Cardinal Substation plays a vital role in maintaining grid stability and power flow in its region. Its location coordinates (43.0922, -89.5682) suggest a rural or suburban setting, where it may serve as a hub for connecting generation sources to load centers. The substation's operational status ensures continued support for local communities and industries, contributing to the overall resilience of the U.S. electrical infrastructure.
Environmental context
The substation's location in the Midwest United States places it in a region with a mix of agricultural and urban areas. High-voltage transmission lines can have localized environmental impacts, such as electromagnetic fields and land use for rights-of-way. However, modern substations are designed to minimize ecological disruption through careful siting and mitigation measures. The facility's role in grid stability also supports the integration of renewable energy sources, which can have broader environmental benefits.
Frequently asked questions
Cardinal Substation is located in the United States, with coordinates approximately 43.0922 N, 89.5682 W. It is part of the American Transmission Company's network in the Midwest.
Cardinal Substation handles two voltage levels: 345,000 volts (345 kV) for high-voltage transmission and 138,000 volts (138 kV) for sub-transmission or distribution. These are common voltages in the U.S. bulk power system.
Cardinal Substation is owned and operated by the American Transmission Company (ATC), a transmission-only utility that owns and maintains high-voltage electric transmission lines in the Upper Midwest.
Cardinal Substation operates under the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) reliability standards and is subject to Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) jurisdiction for transmission rates and terms. Compliance with NERC's Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) standards is also required.
Substations like Cardinal are nodes in the electrical grid that transform voltage levels, switch circuits, and help control power flow. They are essential for reliable electricity delivery from generation sources to distribution networks and end users.