Overview
Charlson Substation is an operational electrical substation in North Dakota, United States, operated by McKenzie Electric Cooperative. It operates at 115 kV, serving the local grid.
Charlson Substation is an operational electrical substation located in North Dakota, United States. It is owned and operated by McKenzie Electric Cooperative, a member-owned utility serving rural areas. The substation operates at a voltage of 115 kV, which is typical for sub-transmission and distribution-level infrastructure in the region. The facility 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 the bulk power system. As a substation in a rural area, it plays a key role in stepping down voltage for local distribution to residential, agricultural, and commercial customers. This substation contributes to the reliability of the local electrical grid, supporting the energy needs of the surrounding community. Its operation by a cooperative underscores the importance of member-owned utilities in providing essential infrastructure to less densely populated regions.
Environmental context
The substation is located in a rural area of North Dakota, characterized by agricultural land and open prairie. The local environment is subject to extreme weather conditions, including cold winters and occasional storms, which can affect grid reliability. The substation's design and maintenance practices are adapted to these conditions to ensure consistent power delivery.
Frequently asked questions
Charlson Substation is located in North Dakota, United States, near the coordinates 48.059384, -102.897174. It serves the local area as part of the McKenzie Electric Cooperative network.
Charlson Substation operates at a voltage of 115 kV, which is a common voltage level for sub-transmission and distribution substations in the United States.
Charlson Substation is owned and operated by McKenzie Electric Cooperative, a member-owned electric utility serving rural communities in North Dakota.
Substations in the United States must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations. These standards cover grid reliability, cybersecurity, and maintenance practices to ensure stable power delivery.
Substations like Charlson step down high-voltage electricity from transmission lines to lower voltages suitable for local distribution. They also provide switching, protection, and monitoring functions to maintain grid stability.