Overview
FEC Swan 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 Swan Substation is an electrical substation located in Montana, United States, owned and operated by Flathead Electric Cooperative. The facility is operational and plays a role in the regional power distribution network, stepping down transmission voltages for local use. The substation operates at a voltage of 34.5 kV, which is typical for distribution-level substations in rural cooperative systems. As part of Flathead Electric Cooperative's infrastructure, it supports the delivery of electricity to member-consumers in the area. The facility adheres to North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) reliability standards and is subject to regulation by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for interconnection and reliability. This substation contributes to grid stability in the Flathead region, serving residential, commercial, and agricultural customers. Its location in Montana, a state with diverse geography and climate, requires robust infrastructure to maintain reliable power supply. The cooperative model ensures local oversight and community-focused service.
Environmental context
The substation is located in a rural area of Montana, characterized by forests and mountainous terrain. Electrical infrastructure in such regions must withstand seasonal weather extremes, including snow and ice. The site's environmental context includes proximity to natural habitats, requiring careful management of vegetation and wildlife interactions to maintain grid reliability.
Frequently asked questions
FEC Swan Substation is located in Montana, United States, at coordinates 48.094796, -114.032081.
FEC Swan Substation operates at 34.5 kV, which is a standard distribution voltage for serving local loads.
FEC Swan Substation is owned and operated by Flathead Electric Cooperative, a member-owned utility serving northwestern Montana.
As part of the U.S. bulk power system, FEC Swan Substation must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations for grid interconnection and operational reliability.
Substations like FEC Swan step down transmission voltages to distribution levels, enabling safe delivery of electricity to homes and businesses. They also provide switching, protection, and monitoring functions to maintain grid stability.