Overview
Minnesota Valley Substation is an operational electrical substation owned by Xcel Energy in the United States, handling multiple voltage levels including 230 kV, 115 kV, 69 kV, and 23.9 kV.
Minnesota Valley Substation is an operational electrical substation located in the United States, owned and operated by Xcel Energy. The facility serves as a key node in the regional transmission and distribution network, handling multiple voltage levels that indicate its role in both high-voltage transmission and lower-voltage distribution. The substation operates at voltage levels of 230 kV, 115 kV, 69 kV, and 23.9 kV, reflecting its function in stepping down power from transmission lines to distribution feeders. As part of Xcel Energy's infrastructure, it adheres to North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) reliability standards and is subject to Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) regulation for transmission-level assets. The facility likely employs modern substation automation technologies consistent with ISO/IEC 61850 standards. Located in Minnesota, the substation supports the regional grid's stability and reliability, serving both urban and rural loads. Its multi-voltage configuration enhances operational flexibility and resilience, contributing to the overall security of electricity supply in the area. The facility's role in the local energy landscape underscores its importance for community and industrial power needs.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in a region characterized by a mix of agricultural and urban landscapes, with the Minnesota River Valley providing a natural corridor. The facility's operation involves managing electromagnetic fields and potential impacts on local wildlife, though modern substations are designed to minimize ecological disruption. The surrounding area's climate, with cold winters and warm summers, necessitates robust infrastructure to maintain grid reliability under varying weather conditions.
Frequently asked questions
Minnesota Valley Substation is located in the United States, with coordinates approximately 44.8035° N, -95.5292° W, in the state of Minnesota.
The substation handles multiple voltage levels: 230 kV, 115 kV, 69 kV, and 23.9 kV, indicating its role in both transmission and distribution.
The substation is owned and operated by Xcel Energy, a major utility company serving the Upper Midwest region.
As part of the US electrical grid, the substation must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations for transmission assets, as well as industry standards like ISO/IEC 61850 for substation automation.
The substation is currently operational, actively serving the regional electrical grid.