Kenneth Ford Substation: 69 kV Distribution Substation in Arkansas, USA

Kenneth Ford Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Arkansas, United States. Owned and operated by Southwest Arkansas Electric Cooperative, this facility plays a role in the regional power distribution network. The substation operates at a voltage of 69 kV, which is typical for sub-transmission and distribution-level infrastructure in rural cooperative systems. The substation operates under the regulatory framework of the United States, which includes NERC reliability standards for grid stability and FERC oversight for interstate electricity transmission. As a cooperative-owned facility, it is subject to state-level utility regulations and cooperative governance. The 69 kV voltage level indicates it serves as a distribution substation, stepping down power from higher transmission voltages for local delivery. This substation supports the electrical infrastructure of southwestern Arkansas, an area with a mix of agricultural and small urban loads. Its operation contributes to grid reliability for the cooperative's members. The facility's location in a rural setting underscores the importance of distributed substations for maintaining service continuity in less densely populated regions.

The substation is located in a rural area of southwestern Arkansas, characterized by agricultural land and scattered residential development. The 69 kV voltage level suggests it is a distribution substation, which typically has a smaller environmental footprint compared to high-voltage transmission facilities. The surrounding landscape includes forests and farmland, and the substation's operation is subject to standard environmental regulations for electrical infrastructure, including stormwater management and wildlife protection measures.