Overview
FEC Trumbull Creek Substation is an operational electrical substation in Montana, United States, owned and operated by Flathead Electric Cooperative. It handles multiple voltage levels including 230 kV, 34.5 kV, and 13.8 kV.
FEC Trumbull Creek Substation is an electrical substation located in Montana, United States, owned and operated by Flathead Electric Cooperative. The facility is operational and serves as a key node in the regional power grid, stepping down transmission voltages for local distribution. The substation operates at multiple voltage levels: 230 kV for transmission, 34.5 kV for sub-transmission, and 13.8 kV for distribution. This configuration is typical for a substation that connects high-voltage transmission lines to lower-voltage distribution networks serving residential, commercial, and industrial customers. The facility is subject to North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) reliability standards and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) regulations for grid stability and safety. As part of Flathead Electric Cooperative's infrastructure, this substation supports the cooperative's mission to provide reliable electricity to its members in northwestern Montana. The facility plays a critical role in maintaining grid stability in the region, particularly given the area's mountainous terrain and seasonal weather variations that can impact power delivery.
Environmental context
The substation is located in a rural area near the Flathead Valley, surrounded by forested terrain and mountainous landscapes typical of northwestern Montana. The region experiences cold winters and mild summers, with potential for snow and ice accumulation on equipment. The facility's design likely incorporates measures to withstand these conditions, such as insulated switchgear and robust grounding systems. The substation's proximity to natural areas means that environmental considerations include minimizing electromagnetic field impacts and ensuring proper oil containment from transformers to protect local water sources.
Frequently asked questions
FEC Trumbull Creek Substation is located in Montana, United States, near the Flathead Valley. The approximate coordinates are 48.385550 N, -114.234088 W.
The substation handles multiple voltage levels: 230 kV for transmission, 34.5 kV for sub-transmission, and 13.8 kV for distribution.
The substation is owned and operated by Flathead Electric Cooperative, a member-owned utility serving northwestern Montana.
As part of the US electrical grid, the substation must comply with NERC reliability standards for bulk power system operation and FERC regulations for transmission and wholesale electricity markets.
Substations like this one step down high-voltage transmission electricity to lower voltages for distribution to homes and businesses, while also providing switching and protection functions to maintain grid reliability.