Overview
Glover & Watrous Substation is an operational electrical substation in Des Moines, Iowa, owned and operated by MidAmerican Energy. It operates at 161 kV, serving the regional grid.
Glover & Watrous Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Des Moines, Iowa, United States. Owned and operated by MidAmerican Energy, the facility plays a key role in the regional transmission network. The substation operates at a voltage of 161 kV, which is typical for sub-transmission and distribution-level infrastructure in the United States. The substation is part of the MidAmerican Energy system, which serves customers in Iowa, Illinois, South Dakota, and Nebraska. As a 161 kV facility, it likely connects higher-voltage transmission lines to lower-voltage distribution networks, ensuring reliable electricity supply to residential, commercial, and industrial users in the Des Moines metropolitan area. The facility operates under the regulatory oversight of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and complies with North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) reliability standards. Located in an urban setting, the substation supports the growing energy demands of Iowa's capital city. Its role in voltage regulation and grid stability is critical for maintaining power quality and preventing outages. The substation's integration with MidAmerican Energy's broader infrastructure underscores its importance in the regional electrical grid.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in an urban environment in Des Moines, Iowa, where it supports the local grid's stability and reliability. Urban substations like this one are typically designed with minimal environmental footprint, using enclosed switchgear and oil containment systems to prevent soil and water contamination. The 161 kV voltage level indicates a balance between transmission efficiency and local distribution needs, reducing line losses and supporting sustainable energy delivery.
Frequently asked questions
Glover & Watrous Substation is located in Des Moines, Iowa, United States, at coordinates 41.547827, -93.628941.
The substation is owned and operated by MidAmerican Energy, a major utility serving parts of Iowa, Illinois, South Dakota, and Nebraska.
Glover & Watrous Substation operates at 161 kV, which is a common voltage for sub-transmission and distribution substations in the United States.
Substations in the United States must comply with NERC reliability standards for grid stability and FERC regulations for interstate transmission. Additionally, ISO/IEC 61850 standards may be used for substation automation.
A 161 kV substation typically steps down high-voltage transmission power for local distribution, ensuring reliable electricity supply to urban and industrial areas. It also provides voltage regulation and switching capabilities.