Overview
Midland Substation is an operational electrical substation in the United States, operated by the Western Area Power Administration with a voltage of 115 kV.
Midland Substation is an operational electrical substation located in the United States, managed by the Western Area Power Administration (WAPA). The facility operates at a voltage level of 115 kV, placing it within the typical range for sub-transmission and distribution substations that support regional grid stability. As a substation under WAPA, a federal power marketing administration, Midland Substation is subject to North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) reliability standards and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) oversight. These regulatory frameworks ensure the substation adheres to mandatory reliability and security requirements, including compliance with NERC Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) standards for cybersecurity and physical security. The substation plays a key role in the local electrical infrastructure by stepping down voltage for distribution or interconnecting transmission lines. Its location in the central United States supports the integration of power from various generation sources, contributing to the resilience of the regional grid. The operational status indicates ongoing service to the community and industrial users in the area.
Environmental context
The substation's location in the central United States places it within a region characterized by continental climate with variable weather patterns, including thunderstorms and winter storms that can affect grid reliability. The 115 kV voltage level suggests it serves a mix of urban and rural loads, with potential environmental considerations related to electromagnetic fields and land use. The facility's operation under WAPA aligns with federal environmental policies, including compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) for any modifications or expansions.
Frequently asked questions
Midland Substation is located in the United States, with coordinates approximately 44.0824° N, -101.1347° W. It is within the service area of the Western Area Power Administration.
Midland Substation operates at a voltage of 115 kV, which is typical for sub-transmission and distribution substations that connect to the bulk power system.
Midland Substation is operated by the Western Area Power Administration (WAPA), a federal agency under the U.S. Department of Energy that markets and transmits hydroelectric power.
As part of the U.S. electrical grid, Midland Substation must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations, including requirements for grid reliability, cybersecurity, and physical security.
A 115 kV substation typically steps down transmission-level voltage for distribution to local networks or interconnects transmission lines, playing a critical role in maintaining grid stability and delivering power to end users.