Overview
Iron Range Substation is an operational electrical substation in Minnesota, United States, owned and operated by Minnesota Power. It handles voltages of 500 kV, 230 kV, and 46 kV, serving the regional grid.
Iron Range Substation is a high-voltage electrical substation located in Minnesota, United States. Owned and operated by Minnesota Power, it is a critical node in the regional transmission network, handling multiple voltage levels including 500 kV, 230 kV, and 46 kV. The substation's location in the Iron Range region supports local mining and industrial activities. As part of the U.S. electrical infrastructure, Iron Range Substation operates under the regulatory framework of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). The 500 kV voltage level indicates its role in bulk power transmission, connecting generation sources to load centers. The substation likely employs modern switchgear and automation systems compliant with standards such as IEEE C37 for high-voltage equipment. The substation plays a vital role in maintaining grid stability and reliability for the surrounding area. Its strategic location in the Iron Range, a region with significant mining operations, underscores its importance in supporting industrial energy demands. The facility's operational status ensures continued service to the local community and the broader Minnesota power grid.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in a region characterized by boreal forests and mining landscapes. Its operation involves electromagnetic fields and potential impacts on local wildlife, though modern substations are designed to minimize ecological disruption. The facility's high voltage levels require careful management of right-of-way vegetation to prevent outages and reduce fire risk.
Frequently asked questions
Iron Range Substation is located in Minnesota, United States, near the Iron Range region. Its coordinates are approximately 47.23° N, -93.30° W.
Iron Range Substation handles multiple voltage levels: 500 kV, 230 kV, and 46 kV. The 500 kV level indicates its role in high-voltage bulk power transmission.
Iron Range Substation is owned and operated by Minnesota Power, a utility company serving the region.
In the United States, substations like Iron Range are subject to NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations. Equipment often complies with IEEE standards such as C37 for switchgear and transformers.
Iron Range Substation is critical for transmitting power from generation sources to industrial and residential customers in the Iron Range region, supporting mining operations and community energy needs.