Overview
Dickinson Substation is an operational electrical substation in North Dakota, United States, owned and operated by Montana-Dakota Utilities. It handles voltages of 230 kV, 115 kV, and 41.6 kV, serving regional grid stability.
Dickinson Substation is an operational electrical substation located in North Dakota, United States. Owned and operated by Montana-Dakota Utilities, it is a key node in the regional transmission network, stepping down high-voltage power for distribution. The substation operates at multiple voltage levels: 230 kV, 115 kV, and 41.6 kV, indicating its role in both bulk power transmission and local distribution. As part of the US electrical infrastructure, it falls under NERC reliability standards and FERC regulation for transmission assets, ensuring grid stability and compliance with mandatory reliability requirements. Located in a rural area of North Dakota, the substation supports the region's energy needs, including agricultural and residential loads. Its multi-voltage capability enhances grid flexibility and resilience, contributing to reliable electricity supply in the surrounding communities.
Environmental context
The substation's location in rural North Dakota places it in a region with cold winters and hot summers, where electrical demand varies seasonally. The surrounding landscape is primarily agricultural, with low population density. The substation's voltage levels indicate it is a critical node for both long-distance transmission and local distribution, minimizing transmission losses by stepping down voltage closer to end users.
Frequently asked questions
Dickinson Substation is located in North Dakota, United States, near the city of Dickinson. Its coordinates are approximately 46.84° N, 102.75° W.
Dickinson Substation operates at three voltage levels: 230 kV, 115 kV, and 41.6 kV. This allows it to serve both high-voltage transmission and lower-voltage distribution needs.
Dickinson Substation is owned and operated by Montana-Dakota Utilities, a utility company serving the Upper Midwest region of the United States.
As part of the US electrical grid, Dickinson Substation must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations for transmission assets. These standards ensure grid stability and operational safety.
Substations like Dickinson are critical for stepping voltage up or down, enabling efficient long-distance transmission and safe local distribution. They also provide switching, protection, and monitoring functions to maintain grid reliability.