Overview
Fairplay Substation is an operational 115 kV substation in Colorado, United States, owned and operated by Core Electric Cooperative. It plays a key role in local power distribution.
Fairplay Substation is an electrical substation located in Fairplay, Colorado, United States. Owned and operated by Core Electric Cooperative, it operates at a voltage of 115 kV, placing it in the medium-to-high voltage range typical for regional distribution and sub-transmission. The substation is part of the broader electrical infrastructure serving the mountainous region of central Colorado. As a 115 kV substation, Fairplay Substation facilitates the step-down of transmission-level power for local distribution to residential, commercial, and industrial customers. The facility operates under the regulatory framework of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), which set reliability standards for bulk power systems. Core Electric Cooperative, a member-owned utility, manages the substation as part of its network serving rural and suburban communities in Colorado. The substation's location in a mountainous area with variable weather conditions underscores its importance for grid stability and reliability. It supports the local economy by providing essential power to the Fairplay area, including tourism and mining operations. The facility's operational status ensures continued service to the community, contributing to the resilience of the regional electrical grid.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in a high-altitude, mountainous region of Colorado, where environmental factors such as snow, ice, and temperature extremes can affect equipment performance and reliability. The area's natural landscapes and wildlife habitats require careful planning to minimize ecological disruption. As part of the electrical grid, the substation supports local communities while operating within environmental regulations that protect air and water quality.
Frequently asked questions
Fairplay Substation is located in Fairplay, Colorado, United States, at coordinates 39.220877, -105.989553.
Fairplay Substation is owned and operated by Core Electric Cooperative, a member-owned electric utility serving Colorado.
Fairplay Substation operates at 115 kV (115,000 volts), which is a common voltage for sub-transmission and distribution substations.
Substations in the United States must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations, which ensure grid stability and safety.
A substation transforms voltage levels and routes electricity between transmission and distribution systems, ensuring reliable power delivery to consumers.