Overview
Cats Eye Substation is an operational electrical substation in the United States, owned and operated by Otter Tail Power Company. It operates at 41.6 kV, serving the regional grid.
Cats Eye Substation is an operational electrical substation located in the United States, specifically in the service area of Otter Tail Power Company. The facility operates at a voltage of 41.6 kV, classifying it as a medium-voltage substation that plays a role in local power distribution and grid stability. As a substation owned by Otter Tail Power Company, a regulated utility in the US, Cats Eye Substation operates under the jurisdiction of state public utility commissions and must comply with NERC reliability standards for grid interconnection and operational safety. The 41.6 kV voltage level is typical for sub-transmission or distribution substations that step down power from higher transmission voltages to serve industrial or residential loads. The substation's location in the Upper Midwest region of the United States places it in an area with cold winters and moderate electricity demand. Its role in the local grid is to ensure reliable power delivery to surrounding communities and businesses, contributing to the overall resilience of the regional electrical infrastructure.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in a rural area of the Upper Midwest, where the landscape is primarily agricultural with scattered wetlands and lakes. The environmental context for this electrical infrastructure includes considerations of electromagnetic fields, stormwater runoff from the substation yard, and potential impacts on local wildlife. The facility's operation is subject to environmental regulations regarding oil containment from transformers and noise mitigation.
Frequently asked questions
Cats Eye Substation is located in the United States, within the service territory of Otter Tail Power Company. The exact coordinates are 46.006120, -95.956323.
Cats Eye Substation operates at a voltage of 41.6 kV, which is typical for a medium-voltage substation used for sub-transmission or distribution purposes.
Cats Eye Substation is owned and operated by Otter Tail Power Company, a regulated electric utility serving parts of Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota.
Substations in the US must comply with NERC reliability standards for grid interconnection and operation, as well as state-level regulations from public utility commissions. Additionally, equipment may follow IEEE and ANSI standards.
A 41.6 kV substation typically steps down voltage from higher transmission levels (e.g., 115 kV or 230 kV) for distribution to industrial or large commercial customers, or steps up voltage from generation sources. It also provides switching and protection functions to maintain grid reliability.