Overview
FEC Appleway Substation is an operational electrical substation in Flathead County, Montana, operated by Flathead Electric Cooperative. It operates at 34.5 kV, serving the local grid.
FEC Appleway Substation is an electrical substation located in Flathead County, Montana, United States. Operated by Flathead Electric Cooperative, it is part of the regional electrical infrastructure that distributes power to residential, commercial, and industrial customers in the area. The substation is currently operational and plays a key role in maintaining grid stability for the surrounding community. The substation operates at a voltage of 34.5 kV, which is typical for distribution-level substations that step down transmission voltages for local use. As a cooperative-owned facility, it is subject to reliability standards set by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for interconnection and reliability compliance. The equipment likely includes switchgear, transformers, and protection systems that align with industry standards such as IEEE C37 for substation automation. Located in the Flathead Valley near Kalispell, the substation supports a region with growing population and tourism. Its role in the cooperative's distribution network ensures reliable electricity for homes, businesses, and critical facilities. The substation's design and maintenance reflect the cooperative's commitment to safe and efficient power delivery in a rural mountainous environment.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in the Flathead Valley, an area with diverse ecosystems including forests, lakes, and wetlands. Its operation involves electromagnetic fields and potential oil containment from transformers, which are managed through standard environmental practices. The rural setting reduces exposure to urban heat island effects but requires careful siting to avoid sensitive habitats. The cooperative likely follows environmental guidelines for stormwater management and wildlife protection.
Frequently asked questions
FEC Appleway Substation is located in Flathead County, Montana, United States, near the city of Kalispell. Its coordinates are approximately 48.2012 N, -114.3252 W.
FEC Appleway Substation operates at a voltage of 34.5 kV, which is typical for distribution-level substations that supply power to local communities.
FEC Appleway Substation is operated by Flathead Electric Cooperative, a member-owned utility serving the Flathead Valley region in Montana.
Substations in the United States must comply with NERC reliability standards for grid stability and FERC regulations for interconnection. Additionally, equipment follows IEEE standards such as C37 for switchgear and transformers.
A distribution substation steps down transmission-level voltages (typically 69 kV or higher) to distribution voltages (e.g., 34.5 kV) for local delivery to homes and businesses. It also provides protection and switching capabilities to isolate faults and maintain grid reliability.