Overview
FEC Whitefish Substation is an operational electrical substation in Whitefish, Montana, owned and operated by Flathead Electric Cooperative. It operates at 34.5 kV, serving the local grid.
FEC Whitefish Substation is an electrical substation located in Whitefish, Montana, United States. Owned and operated by Flathead Electric Cooperative, it plays a key role in distributing electricity to the surrounding community. The substation is part of the cooperative's infrastructure, which serves over 50,000 members in northwestern Montana. The substation operates at a voltage of 34.5 kV, 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 with the bulk power system. Flathead Electric Cooperative is a member-owned utility, and the Whitefish substation supports the growing energy needs of the Whitefish area, including residential, commercial, and industrial customers. Its location in a mountainous region with cold winters underscores the importance of reliable electricity for heating and essential services.
Environmental context
The substation is located in Whitefish, Montana, a region with a continental climate featuring cold winters and mild summers. The surrounding area includes forests and mountainous terrain, which can pose challenges for infrastructure maintenance due to snow and ice. The substation's design likely incorporates measures to withstand extreme weather, ensuring grid stability for the community.
Frequently asked questions
FEC Whitefish Substation is located in Whitefish, Montana, United States, at coordinates 48.405773, -114.333557.
FEC Whitefish Substation operates at a voltage of 34.5 kV, which is typical for distribution-level substations.
FEC Whitefish Substation is owned and operated by Flathead Electric Cooperative, a member-owned utility serving northwestern Montana.
Substations in the United States are subject to NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations for transmission-level assets. Distribution substations like FEC Whitefish must comply with state and local utility regulations.
Substations step down high transmission voltages to lower distribution voltages for safe delivery to homes and businesses. They also provide switching, protection, and monitoring functions to ensure grid reliability.