Overview
Elm Tree Substation is an operational electrical substation in North Dakota, United States, operated by McKenzie Electric Cooperative. It operates at a voltage of 115 kV, serving the local grid.
Elm Tree Substation is an operational electrical substation located in North Dakota, United States. It is owned and operated by McKenzie Electric Cooperative, a member-owned utility serving rural areas. The substation operates at a voltage of 115 kV, which is a common transmission-level voltage for regional power distribution. As a substation in the United States, Elm Tree Substation operates under the regulatory framework 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 substation likely includes switchgear, transformers, and protection systems compliant with standards such as IEEE C37. The substation plays a key role in distributing electricity to rural communities in McKenzie County, supporting agricultural and residential loads. Its location in the Bakken oil region means it may also serve industrial customers. The facility contributes to grid resilience by stepping down transmission voltage for local distribution.
Environmental context
The substation is located in a rural area of North Dakota, characterized by flat terrain and a continental climate with cold winters and warm summers. The surrounding environment includes agricultural land and grasslands. Electrical infrastructure in this region must withstand extreme weather conditions, including ice storms and high winds, which can affect equipment reliability. The substation's design likely incorporates measures to mitigate environmental impacts, such as oil containment for transformers and noise reduction.
Frequently asked questions
Elm Tree Substation is located in North Dakota, United States, near the coordinates 48.024520 N, -102.728958 W. It serves the rural area around McKenzie County.
Elm Tree Substation operates at a voltage of 115 kV, which is a standard transmission voltage for regional power distribution in the United States.
Elm Tree Substation is owned and operated by McKenzie Electric Cooperative, a member-owned electric utility serving rural communities in North Dakota.
As part of the US bulk power system, Elm Tree Substation must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations. These standards cover equipment maintenance, cybersecurity, and grid stability.
A 115 kV substation steps down transmission voltage for local distribution, connecting high-voltage lines to lower-voltage networks that serve homes, farms, and businesses. It also provides switching and protection functions.