Overview
Chariton Substation is an operational electrical substation in Iowa, United States, owned and operated by Alliant Energy. It operates at 69 kV, supporting regional grid stability.
Chariton Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Iowa, United States. Owned and operated by Alliant Energy, the facility plays a key role in the regional power distribution network. With a voltage level of 69 kV, it is classified as a medium-voltage substation, typical for sub-transmission and distribution applications in rural and suburban areas. The substation operates under the regulatory framework of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), which set reliability standards for the bulk power system. As part of Alliant Energy's infrastructure, it adheres to NERC's Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) standards and FERC's regulations for transmission-level assets. The 69 kV voltage level indicates it likely serves as a distribution substation, stepping down power from higher transmission voltages for local use. Chariton Substation contributes to the electrical infrastructure of Iowa, supporting residential, commercial, and industrial customers in the region. Its operational status ensures continued grid reliability and power delivery. The facility's location in the Midwest, an area with a mix of agricultural and urban loads, underscores its importance in maintaining stable electricity supply.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in a rural area of Iowa, where the surrounding landscape is primarily agricultural. Electrical infrastructure in such settings typically has a low direct environmental footprint, though it supports the grid that powers farming operations and rural communities. The 69 kV voltage level suggests the substation is part of the distribution network, which generally has lower visual and ecological impacts compared to high-voltage transmission lines.
Frequently asked questions
Chariton Substation is located in Iowa, United States, at coordinates 41.015988, -93.301620. It is owned and operated by Alliant Energy.
Chariton Substation operates at 69 kV (69,000 volts), which is a medium-voltage level commonly used for sub-transmission and distribution in the United States.
Chariton Substation is owned and operated by Alliant Energy, a major utility company serving Iowa and other Midwestern states.
As part of the U.S. bulk power system, Chariton Substation must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations, including Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) requirements for cybersecurity and physical security.
A 69 kV substation typically serves as a distribution substation, stepping down higher transmission voltages (e.g., 138 kV or 161 kV) to lower distribution voltages for local residential, commercial, and industrial customers.