Overview
Cowarts Substation is an operational electrical substation in Alabama, United States, owned and operated by Alabama Power. It operates at a voltage of 115 kV, serving the local grid.
Cowarts Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Alabama, United States. Owned and operated by Alabama Power, a major utility in the region, the facility plays a key role in the local electrical infrastructure. The substation operates at a voltage of 115 kV, which is typical for sub-transmission and distribution-level assets in the United States. As a 115 kV substation, Cowarts Substation falls under the regulatory oversight of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). These bodies enforce reliability standards for the bulk power system, ensuring grid stability and security. The facility likely includes switchgear, transformers, and protection systems compliant with industry standards such as IEEE C37. The substation supports the electrical grid in the southeastern United States, a region with a diverse mix of generation sources including natural gas, hydroelectric, and nuclear power. By stepping down voltage for distribution or interconnecting transmission lines, Cowarts Substation contributes to reliable electricity supply for residential, commercial, and industrial customers in the area.
Environmental context
The substation is located in a rural area of southeastern Alabama, near the city of Dothan. The region experiences a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters, which can influence equipment cooling and vegetation management around the site. The facility's 115 kV voltage level indicates it is part of the sub-transmission network, typically with lower environmental impact than high-voltage transmission lines, but still requiring rights-of-way maintenance to prevent outages.
Frequently asked questions
Cowarts Substation is located in Alabama, United States, near the city of Dothan in the southeastern part of the state.
Cowarts Substation operates at a voltage of 115 kV, which is typical for sub-transmission and distribution substations in the United States.
Cowarts Substation is owned and operated by Alabama Power, a subsidiary of Southern Company and a major electric utility in the southeastern United States.
Substations in the United States are subject to NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations for grid stability. Equipment often follows IEEE standards such as IEEE C37 for switchgear.
A 115 kV substation typically steps down transmission voltage for distribution to local networks or interconnects sub-transmission lines, ensuring reliable power delivery to residential, commercial, and industrial customers.