Elmer Smith Substation - High-Voltage Electrical Substation in the United States

Elmer Smith Substation is an operational electrical substation located in the United States, with coordinates 37.793529, -87.058584. It operates at a voltage of 345 kV, classifying it as a high-voltage transmission substation critical for bulk power transfer. The facility is part of the North American power grid and is subject to NERC reliability standards and FERC regulation. The substation's 345 kV voltage level indicates its role in the extra-high-voltage transmission network, typically used for long-distance power transmission and interconnection between major grid regions. Such facilities are essential for grid stability and reliability, often connecting generation sources to load centers. The United States has a well-established regulatory framework under NERC and FERC, ensuring compliance with reliability and security standards. Elmer Smith Substation contributes to the electrical infrastructure of the region, supporting the delivery of electricity to residential, commercial, and industrial consumers. Its operational status and voltage level suggest it is a key node in the transmission system, facilitating efficient power flow and grid resilience. The facility's location in the central United States places it within a network of interconnected substations that underpin the national grid.

The substation is located in a region with a temperate climate, where seasonal variations can affect power demand and grid operations. High-voltage substations like this one are typically designed with environmental considerations such as oil containment for transformers and noise mitigation. The surrounding area is likely a mix of agricultural and rural land, with minimal direct environmental impact from the substation itself, though its role in supporting renewable energy integration can have broader environmental benefits.