Overview
Great Bend Frey Street Substation is an operational electrical substation in Great Bend, Kansas, owned and operated by Wheatland Electric Power Cooperative. It operates at 115 kV, serving the local grid.
Great Bend Frey Street Substation is an electrical substation located in Great Bend, Kansas, United States. Owned and operated by Wheatland Electric Power Cooperative, it is a key node in the regional power distribution network. The substation operates at a voltage of 115 kV, which is typical for sub-transmission and distribution-level infrastructure in rural cooperative systems. As part of the Wheatland Electric Power Cooperative, this substation falls under the regulatory oversight of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and must comply with North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) reliability standards. The 115 kV voltage level indicates it serves as a distribution substation, stepping down power from higher transmission voltages for local delivery. In Kansas, such substations are critical for serving agricultural and rural communities. The substation plays a vital role in maintaining grid stability and power quality for the Great Bend area. Its operational status ensures reliable electricity supply to residential, commercial, and agricultural customers. The facility is part of a broader cooperative network that emphasizes community service and grid resilience.
Environmental context
Located in central Kansas, the substation operates in a region characterized by flat plains and agricultural land. The local environment is subject to occasional severe weather, including thunderstorms and tornadoes, which can impact grid infrastructure. The substation's design likely incorporates standard measures for weather resilience, such as robust grounding and surge protection. Its rural location reduces direct environmental impact on sensitive habitats, though overhead lines may affect local bird populations.
Frequently asked questions
Great Bend Frey Street Substation is located in Great Bend, Kansas, United States, at coordinates 38.375841, -98.755226.
The substation operates at 115 kV, which is a common voltage for sub-transmission and distribution substations in rural electric cooperative systems.
The substation is owned and operated by Wheatland Electric Power Cooperative, a member-owned utility serving parts of Kansas.
As part of the US bulk power system, the substation must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations, including requirements for maintenance, cybersecurity, and grid stability.
A 115 kV substation typically steps down voltage from higher transmission levels (e.g., 230 kV or 345 kV) for distribution to local communities, serving as a critical link between long-distance transmission and end users.