Overview
Great Bend Substation is an operational electrical substation in Kansas, United States, owned by Sunflower Electric Power Corporation. It operates at 230 kV, serving as a key node in the regional transmission grid.
Great Bend Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Kansas, United States. Owned by Sunflower Electric Power Corporation, the facility operates at a voltage of 230 kV, classifying it as a high-voltage transmission substation critical for regional grid stability. The substation's 230 kV voltage level indicates its role in bulk power transmission, connecting generation sources to distribution networks. As part of the U.S. electrical infrastructure, it operates under NERC reliability standards and FERC regulation, ensuring grid security and compliance with mandatory reliability requirements. This facility supports the electrical needs of central Kansas, contributing to the reliability of the local power supply. Its strategic location and high-voltage capacity make it an essential component of the regional transmission system, facilitating efficient power flow and grid resilience.
Environmental context
The substation's location in rural Kansas minimizes direct environmental impact, though high-voltage equipment requires careful management of electromagnetic fields and insulating fluids. The surrounding agricultural landscape benefits from reliable power supply for irrigation and processing, while the facility's design must consider local weather extremes including tornadoes and winter storms.
Frequently asked questions
Great Bend Substation is located in Kansas, United States, near the city of Great Bend. Its coordinates are approximately 38.406738 N, -98.870769 W.
Great Bend Substation operates at a voltage of 230 kV (230,000 volts), which is a standard high-voltage transmission level used for long-distance power transfer in the United States.
Great Bend Substation is owned by Sunflower Electric Power Corporation, a generation and transmission cooperative serving member cooperatives in Kansas and surrounding states.
In the United States, substations like Great Bend must comply with NERC reliability standards for grid stability and FERC regulations for transmission infrastructure. These standards cover equipment maintenance, cybersecurity, and operational protocols.
A 230 kV substation serves as a critical node in the transmission grid, stepping down high-voltage power from generation plants for distribution to local networks. It helps balance load, route power, and maintain voltage stability across the region.