Overview
Grand Island Substation is an operational 345 kV electrical substation in Nebraska, United States, owned and operated by the Western Area Power Administration, serving as a critical node in the regional transmission grid.
Grand Island Substation is a high-voltage electrical substation located in Nebraska, United States. Operated by the Western Area Power Administration (WAPA), it plays a key role in the transmission of electricity across the central United States. The facility operates at 345 kV, a standard voltage level for bulk power transmission, connecting generation sources to load centers. The substation is part of WAPA's transmission network, which spans 15 states and delivers power from federal hydroelectric projects to utilities and municipalities. As a 345 kV facility, it falls under the regulatory oversight of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), ensuring compliance with reliability standards for grid stability. The substation likely employs modern switchgear and automation systems consistent with ISO/IEC 61850 standards for substation communication. Grand Island Substation is strategically located in central Nebraska, an area with a mix of agricultural and industrial energy demand. Its 345 kV voltage level indicates it is a major transmission hub, supporting grid reliability for the region. The facility's operational status ensures continued service to communities and industries, contributing to the overall resilience of the U.S. electrical infrastructure.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in the Great Plains region, characterized by flat terrain and a continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. The surrounding area is primarily agricultural, with corn and soybean farming. The 345 kV transmission lines may traverse rural landscapes, requiring vegetation management to prevent outages. The substation's operation supports integration of renewable energy sources, such as wind power, which is abundant in Nebraska, contributing to grid decarbonization.
Frequently asked questions
Grand Island Substation is located in Nebraska, United States, near the city of Grand Island. Its coordinates are approximately 40.912066 N, -98.262358 W.
Grand Island Substation operates at 345 kV (kilovolts), which is a standard high-voltage level for bulk electricity transmission in the United States.
The substation is owned and operated by the Western Area Power Administration (WAPA), a federal agency under the U.S. Department of Energy that markets and transmits hydroelectric power.
As part of the U.S. bulk power system, the substation must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations. It also likely follows ISO/IEC 61850 for substation automation.
Grand Island Substation serves as a transmission node, stepping voltage levels and routing electricity from generation sources to distribution networks, supporting grid stability in central Nebraska.