Overview
Flatiron Substation is an operational electrical substation in Colorado, United States, owned and operated by the Western Area Power Administration. It operates at a voltage of 115 kV, serving as a key node in the regional transmission grid.
Flatiron Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Colorado, United States. Owned and operated by the Western Area Power Administration (WAPA), the facility plays a critical role in the regional transmission network, stepping down high-voltage electricity for distribution to local utilities and end-users. The substation operates at a voltage of 115 kV, a standard transmission-level voltage in the United States. As part of WAPA's infrastructure, it is subject to reliability standards set by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). The facility likely employs modern switchgear and protection systems to ensure grid stability and safety. Located in a mountainous region of Colorado, the substation supports the integration of renewable energy sources, such as hydropower from the Colorado River Basin, into the grid. Its operational significance extends to providing reliable electricity to communities and industries in the area, contributing to the overall resilience of the Western Interconnection.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in a mountainous region of Colorado, an area characterized by diverse ecosystems and variable climate conditions. The facility's location near the Front Range urban corridor means it supports both residential and industrial loads while potentially interfacing with renewable energy generation from wind and solar projects. The 115 kV voltage level indicates a role in sub-transmission, balancing local distribution needs with regional grid stability.
Frequently asked questions
Flatiron Substation is located in Colorado, United States, at coordinates 40.365706, -105.236876, in a mountainous region near the Front Range.
Flatiron Substation is owned and operated by the Western Area Power Administration (WAPA), a federal power marketing administration within the U.S. Department of Energy.
Flatiron Substation operates at a voltage of 115 kV, which is a common transmission-level voltage in the United States used for sub-transmission and distribution.
As part of the U.S. bulk power system, Flatiron Substation must comply with NERC reliability standards and is subject to FERC jurisdiction for transmission rates and terms.
Flatiron Substation serves as a key node in the regional transmission grid, stepping down high-voltage electricity for distribution to local utilities and supporting grid stability in the Western Interconnection.