Overview
Idalia Substation is an operational electrical substation in the United States, owned by the Southwestern Power Administration. It operates at voltages of 161 kV and 69 kV, serving the regional grid.
Idalia Substation is an operational electrical substation located in the United States, owned and operated by the Southwestern Power Administration (SWPA). The facility handles voltages of 161 kV and 69 kV, indicating its role in both transmission and sub-transmission levels of the power grid. As part of SWPA's network, it contributes to the reliable delivery of federal hydropower across the region. 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. The 161 kV voltage level classifies it as a transmission asset, while the 69 kV level suggests distribution or sub-transmission functions. Such dual-voltage substations are common in rural or semi-urban areas, providing flexibility in grid management. Environmentally, the substation's location in southeastern Missouri places it within a region prone to severe weather, including thunderstorms and tornadoes, which can impact grid stability. The facility's role in the SWPA system supports the integration of renewable energy sources, such as hydropower from the region's dams, contributing to a lower-carbon electricity supply. Its operational status ensures continued service to local communities and industries.
Environmental context
The Idalia Substation is situated in a rural area of southeastern Missouri, a region characterized by agricultural land and occasional severe weather events like thunderstorms and tornadoes. The substation's dual-voltage configuration (161 kV and 69 kV) allows it to balance transmission efficiency with local distribution needs, reducing line losses and supporting grid stability. Its operation under SWPA aligns with federal hydropower integration, which displaces fossil fuel generation and lowers regional carbon emissions.
Frequently asked questions
Idalia Substation is located in the United States, specifically in southeastern Missouri near the coordinates 36.8714 N, -89.8546 W. It is owned and operated by the Southwestern Power Administration.
Idalia Substation operates at two voltage levels: 161,000 volts (161 kV) for transmission and 69,000 volts (69 kV) for sub-transmission or distribution. This dual-voltage capability allows it to serve both long-distance power transfer and local grid needs.
Idalia Substation is owned and operated by the Southwestern Power Administration (SWPA), a federal agency under the U.S. Department of Energy that markets and transmits hydropower from federal dams in the southwestern United States.
As part of the U.S. bulk power system, Idalia Substation must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations. These standards cover grid stability, cybersecurity, and maintenance practices to ensure reliable electricity delivery.
Idalia Substation serves as a key node in the SWPA transmission network, stepping down voltage from 161 kV to 69 kV for local distribution. It helps integrate federal hydropower into the regional grid, supporting rural electrification and renewable energy use.