Overview
Fort Smith Substation is an operational electrical substation in Arkansas, owned and operated by Oklahoma Gas & Electric. It handles voltages of 500 kV, 345 kV, and 161 kV, serving as a critical node in the regional transmission grid.
Fort Smith Substation is a high-voltage electrical substation located near Fort Smith, Arkansas, United States. Owned and operated by Oklahoma Gas & Electric, the facility is a key component of the regional power transmission network, stepping down voltages from extra-high levels for distribution. The substation handles multiple voltage levels including 500 kV, 345 kV, and 161 kV, indicating its role in both long-distance transmission and local grid interconnection. As part of the United States electrical infrastructure, the substation operates under the regulatory oversight of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and adheres to reliability standards set by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC). The facility likely employs modern switchgear and protection systems compliant with industry standards such as IEEE C37, ensuring safe and reliable operation. Oklahoma Gas & Electric, a subsidiary of OGE Energy Corp., serves over 800,000 customers across Oklahoma and western Arkansas, making this substation vital for maintaining grid stability in the region. The substation's location near the Arkansas-Oklahoma border positions it as a critical interconnection point between different balancing authorities. Its high-voltage capacity supports the integration of diverse generation sources, including natural gas, wind, and coal, contributing to the resilience of the regional power grid. The facility's operational status ensures continued service to residential, commercial, and industrial customers in the area.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in a region characterized by a mix of urban and rural landscapes, with the nearby Arkansas River influencing local hydrology. High-voltage substations like this one can have localized environmental impacts, including electromagnetic fields and potential oil spill risks from transformers. However, modern substations are designed with containment measures and are subject to environmental regulations under the Clean Water Act and Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). The facility's role in supporting renewable energy integration also contributes to broader environmental benefits by enabling cleaner power delivery.
Frequently asked questions
Fort Smith Substation is located near Fort Smith, Arkansas, United States, at coordinates 35.299655 N, -94.430223 W.
Fort Smith Substation handles voltages of 500 kV, 345 kV, and 161 kV, serving as a major transmission hub.
Fort Smith Substation is owned and operated by Oklahoma Gas & Electric, a utility serving Oklahoma and western Arkansas.
US substations must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations, as well as IEEE standards for substation automation and safety.
The substation's high-voltage capacity and location near the Arkansas-Oklahoma border make it critical for interconnecting generation sources and maintaining grid stability.