Overview
New Rice County Substation is an operational electrical substation in Kansas, United States, owned and operated by Midwest Energy. It operates at 230 kV and 115 kV voltage levels, serving the regional grid.
New Rice County Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Kansas, United States. Owned and operated by Midwest Energy, the facility plays a role in the regional transmission network, stepping down high-voltage electricity for distribution. The substation operates at dual voltage levels of 230 kV and 115 kV, indicating its function in both bulk power transmission and sub-transmission. As part of the U.S. electrical infrastructure, the substation operates under the regulatory framework of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). These bodies enforce reliability standards for grid stability and interstate electricity markets. The facility's voltage levels are typical for substations connecting high-voltage transmission lines to local distribution networks. The substation supports the electrical needs of the surrounding rural and agricultural communities in Rice County. Its role in the grid ensures reliable power supply for residential, commercial, and industrial customers. The facility's location in central Kansas places it within the Southwest Power Pool (SPP) regional transmission organization, which coordinates grid operations across multiple states.
Environmental context
The substation is located in a rural area of central Kansas, characterized by agricultural land and open plains. The local environment is subject to seasonal weather extremes, including thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes, which can impact grid reliability. The facility's design likely includes measures to withstand such conditions, such as robust grounding and surge protection. The surrounding landscape supports farming and ranching, and the substation's presence is essential for powering irrigation systems and grain processing facilities.
Frequently asked questions
New Rice County Substation is located in Kansas, United States, near coordinates 38.433443, -98.341166. It serves the Rice County area.
The substation operates at 230 kV and 115 kV, typical for transmission and sub-transmission voltage levels in the U.S. grid.
The substation is owned and operated by Midwest Energy, a utility serving central and western Kansas.
As part of the U.S. bulk power system, the substation must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations. It also operates within the Southwest Power Pool (SPP) regional transmission organization.
Substations like New Rice County transform voltage levels and route electricity between transmission lines and distribution networks, ensuring reliable power delivery to homes and businesses.