Overview
FEC Badrock Substation is an operational electrical substation in Montana, United States, owned and operated by Flathead Electric Cooperative. It operates at 34.5 kV, serving the local grid.
FEC Badrock Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Montana, United States. Owned and operated by Flathead Electric Cooperative, this facility plays a key role in the regional distribution network, stepping down transmission voltages for local use. The substation operates at a voltage of 34.5 kV, which is typical for medium-voltage distribution substations in rural cooperative systems. As part of Flathead Electric Cooperative's infrastructure, it adheres to North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) reliability standards and is subject to state-level utility regulation. The cooperative model ensures local oversight and community-focused service. This substation supports the electrical needs of the Flathead Valley region, contributing to grid stability and reliability for residential, commercial, and agricultural customers. Its location in northwestern Montana places it in a region with growing energy demand, making its role in power distribution increasingly significant.
Environmental context
Located in a rural area of Montana, the substation is situated in a region with diverse wildlife and natural landscapes. The facility's operation involves standard electromagnetic fields and potential impacts on local habitats, though modern substation design typically includes mitigation measures. The surrounding area experiences cold winters and mild summers, influencing infrastructure maintenance and reliability.
Frequently asked questions
FEC Badrock Substation is located in Montana, United States, at coordinates 48.350556, -114.159968.
FEC Badrock Substation operates at 34.5 kV, which is a medium-voltage level typical for distribution substations.
The substation is owned and operated by Flathead Electric Cooperative, a member-owned utility serving the Flathead Valley region.
Substations in the United States must comply with NERC reliability standards for grid stability and FERC regulations for transmission-level assets, though distribution substations are primarily state-regulated.
Substations transform voltage levels, switch circuits, and protect the grid. They are critical nodes for distributing electricity from transmission lines to local distribution networks.