Overview
Killdeer Substation is an operational electrical substation in the United States, owned and operated by the Western Area Power Administration. It operates at a voltage of 115 kV, serving the regional grid.
Killdeer Substation is an operational electrical substation located in the United States, specifically in the state of North Dakota near the city of Killdeer. Owned and operated by the Western Area Power Administration (WAPA), a federal power marketing administration, this facility plays a role in the transmission and distribution of electricity within the region. The substation operates at a voltage level of 115 kV, which is typical for sub-transmission and distribution substations that connect local distribution networks to higher-voltage transmission lines. As part of the Western Area Power Administration's infrastructure, Killdeer Substation operates under the regulatory framework of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and adheres to reliability standards set by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC). The substation's equipment likely includes circuit breakers, transformers, and switchgear designed to manage and protect the electrical grid. The 115 kV voltage level indicates it serves as a critical node for distributing power to local communities and industries in the region. The substation's location in western North Dakota places it within an area known for oil and gas production, as well as agricultural activities. Its operational status ensures reliable electricity supply to support these economic sectors. The facility contributes to grid stability and resilience, particularly in a region that experiences extreme weather conditions, including harsh winters and occasional storms. By maintaining voltage levels and managing load, Killdeer Substation helps prevent outages and supports the overall reliability of the regional power system.
Environmental context
The Killdeer Substation is situated in a semi-arid region of North Dakota, characterized by grasslands and agricultural land. The area is part of the Bakken oil fields, where energy infrastructure supports both oil extraction and local communities. The substation's operation involves electromagnetic fields and potential impacts on local wildlife, though modern substations are designed to minimize environmental disturbance. The facility's role in the grid helps integrate renewable energy sources, such as wind power, which is increasingly prevalent in the region.
Frequently asked questions
Killdeer Substation is located in the United States, near the city of Killdeer in Dunn County, North Dakota. Its coordinates are approximately 47.3568° N, -102.7414° W.
Killdeer Substation is owned and operated by the Western Area Power Administration (WAPA), a federal agency under the U.S. Department of Energy that markets and transmits hydropower and other energy across 15 western states.
Killdeer Substation operates at a voltage of 115 kV (115,000 volts), which is a common voltage for sub-transmission and distribution substations in the United States.
As part of the U.S. electrical grid, Killdeer Substation must comply with reliability standards set by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and is subject to oversight by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).
Killdeer Substation serves as a distribution node, stepping down voltage from higher transmission lines to supply local communities and industries in western North Dakota, including the Bakken oil fields and agricultural areas.