Overview
Gavins Point Substation is an operational electrical substation in the United States, owned and operated by the Western Area Power Administration. It operates at a voltage of 115 kV, serving regional grid stability.
Gavins Point Substation is an operational electrical substation located in the United States, owned and operated by the Western Area Power Administration (WAPA). As a 115 kV substation, it plays a role in the regional transmission network, supporting the distribution of electricity across the area. The facility is part of WAPA's infrastructure, which manages federal hydroelectric power and related transmission assets in the central and western U.S. The substation operates under the regulatory framework of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), which set reliability standards for the bulk power system. At 115 kV, this facility is considered a sub-transmission or distribution-level asset, typical for connecting local distribution systems to higher-voltage transmission lines. The equipment likely includes circuit breakers, transformers, and switchgear compliant with industry standards such as ISO/IEC 61850 for substation automation. Environmentally, the substation is situated in a rural area near the Missouri River, likely supporting the local agricultural and residential communities. Its role in the grid helps ensure reliable power delivery, which is critical for economic activities in the region. The facility's operation aligns with WAPA's mission to provide reliable, low-cost power while maintaining environmental stewardship.
Environmental context
The substation is located in a rural area near the Missouri River in southeastern South Dakota, an ecologically sensitive region with riparian habitats. The 115 kV voltage level indicates it serves local distribution needs, minimizing large-scale environmental footprint. Its operation supports grid stability for agricultural and residential consumers, with potential impacts limited to electromagnetic fields and land use for transmission corridors.
Frequently asked questions
Gavins Point Substation is located in the United States, near the Missouri River in southeastern South Dakota, at coordinates 42.848151, -97.479970.
The substation is owned and operated by the Western Area Power Administration (WAPA), a federal agency that markets and transmits hydroelectric power from federal dams.
Gavins Point Substation operates at a voltage of 115 kV, which is typical for sub-transmission or distribution-level substations in the United States.
As part of the US bulk power system, the substation must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations, ensuring grid stability and security.
A 115 kV substation typically steps down voltage from higher transmission lines (e.g., 230 kV or 345 kV) for local distribution, serving industrial, commercial, and residential customers.