Overview
Elkhart Lake is an operational electrical substation in Wisconsin, USA, handling voltages of 138 kV, 24.9 kV, and 8.32 kV. It plays a key role in regional power distribution and grid stability.
Elkhart Lake is an operational electrical substation located in Wisconsin, United States. As a substation, it serves as a critical node in the local power grid, stepping down high-voltage transmission electricity to lower voltages suitable for distribution to residential, commercial, and industrial customers. The facility's voltage levels indicate it handles both transmission (138 kV) and distribution (24.9 kV and 8.32 kV) functions. Operating within the United States, this substation is subject to regulatory oversight by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for wholesale electricity markets and reliability standards set by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC). The facility likely employs modern substation automation technologies, such as those based on the IEC 61850 standard, to ensure efficient and reliable operation. The voltage levels suggest it is a medium-to-large scale substation serving a significant load area. The substation's location in Wisconsin places it within the regional grid managed by the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO), which coordinates electricity transmission across multiple states. Its operational status ensures continued support for local energy needs, contributing to grid resilience and the integration of renewable energy sources in the region.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in a rural area of Wisconsin, near Elkhart Lake, a region known for its lakes and natural landscapes. While substations themselves have minimal direct environmental impact, their role in the grid supports the integration of renewable energy sources like wind and solar, which are increasingly common in the Midwest. The facility's voltage levels indicate it can handle power from distributed generation, aiding in the transition to a cleaner energy mix.
Frequently asked questions
The Elkhart Lake substation is located in Wisconsin, United States, near the community of Elkhart Lake. Its approximate coordinates are 43.824840 N, -88.040388 W.
The substation handles multiple voltage levels: 138,000 volts (138 kV) for transmission, and 24,900 volts (24.9 kV) and 8,320 volts (8.32 kV) for distribution.
Electrical substations in the United States are regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for wholesale electricity markets and by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) for reliability standards.
Substations transform voltage levels to enable efficient transmission and safe distribution of electricity. They also provide switching, protection, and monitoring functions to maintain grid stability.
The IEC 61850 standard is widely adopted for substation automation and communication, enabling interoperability and advanced control functions in modern substations.