Overview
Douglas County Substation is an operational electrical substation in Minnesota, United States, owned and operated by Xcel Energy. It operates at voltage levels of 115 kV and 69 kV, serving the local grid.
Douglas County Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Minnesota, United States. Owned and operated by Xcel Energy, the facility plays a key role in the regional transmission and distribution network. With voltage levels of 115 kV and 69 kV, it is classified as a medium-voltage substation, typical for serving suburban and rural areas. The substation operates under the regulatory framework of the United States, which includes reliability standards set by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and oversight by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for transmission-level assets. As part of Xcel Energy's infrastructure, it adheres to industry standards for substation automation and grid stability, including ISO/IEC 61850 protocols where applicable. Environmentally, the substation's location in a rural area of Minnesota minimizes direct impact on dense urban populations. Its role in stepping down voltage for local distribution supports community electricity needs, contributing to grid reliability in the region. The facility's operational status ensures continued service to residential and commercial customers in Douglas County.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in a rural area of Minnesota, where the surrounding landscape includes agricultural land and small communities. Its operation involves electromagnetic fields and potential impacts on local wildlife, though standard mitigation measures are employed. The facility's voltage levels (115 kV and 69 kV) are typical for regional distribution, balancing efficiency with environmental footprint.
Frequently asked questions
Douglas County Substation is located in Minnesota, United States, at coordinates 45.853643, -95.149869.
Douglas County Substation is owned and operated by Xcel Energy, a major utility company in the United States.
Douglas County Substation operates at voltage levels of 115 kV and 69 kV, which are typical for medium-voltage substations in regional distribution networks.
Substations in the United States must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations for transmission-level assets, ensuring grid stability and safety.
Substations transform voltage levels for efficient transmission and distribution, and they provide switching, protection, and monitoring functions to maintain grid reliability.