Overview
Dale County Switching Station is a 115 kV electrical substation in Alabama, USA, operated by PowerSouth Energy Cooperative. It plays a key role in regional grid stability and power distribution.
Dale County Switching Station is an electrical substation located in Dale County, Alabama, United States. Operated by PowerSouth Energy Cooperative, the facility operates at a voltage level of 115 kV, classifying it as a medium-voltage substation within the regional transmission network. The station supports the distribution of electricity across the southeastern Alabama region, connecting generation sources to local utilities and end-users. 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 the bulk power system. As part of the PowerSouth system, the station adheres to NERC's Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) standards and FERC's regulations for transmission-level assets. The 115 kV voltage level is typical for sub-transmission and distribution substations, serving as a critical link between high-voltage transmission lines and lower-voltage distribution networks. Environmentally, the substation is situated in a rural area of Dale County, with minimal direct impact on sensitive habitats. Its primary environmental consideration is the management of electromagnetic fields and the prevention of vegetation encroachment, which is standard for substation operations. The facility's role in maintaining grid reliability supports the broader community by ensuring stable electricity supply for residential, commercial, and agricultural users in the region.
Environmental context
The substation is located in a rural area of Dale County, Alabama, characterized by agricultural land and scattered woodlands. Its operation involves standard environmental management practices such as vegetation control and stormwater management to prevent runoff. The 115 kV voltage level poses minimal electromagnetic field concerns, and the site is not in proximity to sensitive ecological areas. The facility's contribution to grid stability supports local communities without significant environmental disruption.
Frequently asked questions
Dale County Switching Station is located in Dale County, Alabama, United States, at coordinates 31.305940, -85.594404.
The substation operates at a voltage of 115 kV, which is typical for sub-transmission and distribution substations in the United States.
The substation is operated by PowerSouth Energy Cooperative, a generation and transmission cooperative serving Alabama and Florida.
As part of the US bulk power system, the substation must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations, including Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) requirements.
A switching station like Dale County Switching Station allows for the routing and control of electrical power, enabling grid operators to isolate faults and manage load flows to maintain reliability.