Overview
FEC Haskill Substation is an operational 230 kV substation owned by Flathead Electric Cooperative in Montana, United States. It plays a key role in regional power distribution.
FEC Haskill Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Montana, United States, owned and operated by Flathead Electric Cooperative. The facility operates at 230 kV, a standard transmission voltage level that supports bulk power transfer across the regional grid. As a substation, it serves as a critical node for voltage transformation and switching, ensuring reliable electricity delivery to residential, commercial, and industrial customers in the Flathead Valley area. The substation operates under the regulatory framework of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), which enforce reliability standards for transmission-level assets. Flathead Electric Cooperative, a member-owned utility, manages this facility as part of its distribution network, which integrates with larger regional transmission systems. The 230 kV voltage class is typical for subtransmission or transmission applications, balancing capacity and efficiency for medium-distance power flows. Environmentally, the substation is situated in a rural area near Kalispell, Montana, where the surrounding landscape includes forests and agricultural land. The facility's design and operation adhere to environmental regulations to minimize impacts on local ecosystems. As part of the cooperative's infrastructure, it supports community energy needs while contributing to grid stability in a region prone to seasonal weather variations, including snow and wildfire risks.
Environmental context
The substation is located in a rural area of Montana, characterized by mixed forest and agricultural land. Its operation at 230 kV requires careful management of electromagnetic fields and vegetation clearance to prevent fire hazards, especially given the region's wildfire risk. The facility's footprint is relatively small, and standard mitigation measures such as oil containment for transformers are employed to protect local soil and water resources.
Frequently asked questions
FEC Haskill Substation is located in Montana, United States, near the city of Kalispell. Its coordinates are approximately 48.11° N, -114.64° W.
FEC Haskill Substation operates at 230 kV (230,000 volts), which is a standard transmission voltage used for bulk power transfer in the United States.
The substation is owned and 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 and FERC regulations for transmission assets. These cover maintenance, cybersecurity, and grid stability.
As a 230 kV substation, it steps down transmission voltage for distribution to homes and businesses, ensuring reliable power supply in the Flathead Valley area.