Overview
Kirkwood Substation is an operational electrical substation in the United States, owned and operated by Montana-Dakota Utilities. It operates at 115 kV, serving the regional power grid.
Kirkwood Substation is an operational electrical substation located in the United States, owned and operated by Montana-Dakota Utilities. The facility operates at a voltage of 115 kV, placing it in the medium-voltage range typical for distribution and sub-transmission networks. As part of the Montana-Dakota Utilities system, it plays a role in delivering electricity to customers in the region. The substation's technical specifications indicate a 115 kV voltage level, which is common for substations that step down power from higher transmission voltages for local distribution. In the United States, such facilities operate under the regulatory oversight of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for wholesale electricity markets and must comply with North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) reliability standards to ensure grid stability. The substation likely includes switchgear and transformers to manage power flow and voltage regulation. Environmentally, the substation's location in North Dakota (based on coordinates) places it in a region with cold winters and hot summers, where electrical infrastructure must withstand temperature extremes. The facility supports grid reliability for surrounding communities and industrial users, contributing to the overall resilience of the regional power system. Its operational status ensures continued service to the local area.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in a region with a continental climate, experiencing cold winters and hot summers, which can affect equipment performance and maintenance schedules. Its location in a relatively rural area of North Dakota means the facility supports both residential and agricultural electricity needs. The 115 kV voltage level indicates it is part of the sub-transmission network, balancing local distribution with higher-voltage transmission lines.
Frequently asked questions
Kirkwood Substation is located in the United States, with coordinates approximately 46.7971 N, -100.7822 W, placing it in North Dakota. It is owned and operated by Montana-Dakota Utilities.
Kirkwood Substation operates at a voltage of 115 kV, which is typical for sub-transmission and distribution substations in the United States.
Kirkwood Substation is owned and operated by Montana-Dakota Utilities, a utility company serving parts of Montana, North Dakota, and South Dakota.
In the United States, substations like Kirkwood must comply with NERC reliability standards for grid stability and FERC regulations for wholesale electricity markets. These standards cover equipment maintenance, cybersecurity, and operational protocols.
A 115 kV substation typically steps down voltage from higher transmission levels (e.g., 230 kV or 345 kV) for local distribution, or it may serve as a switching station to route power within the sub-transmission network. It helps ensure reliable electricity delivery to residential, commercial, and industrial customers.