Overview
New Underwood Substation is an operational 230 kV substation in South Dakota, United States, owned and operated by the Western Area Power Administration, a key federal power marketing agency.
New Underwood Substation is an operational electrical substation located near New Underwood, South Dakota, in the United States. It is owned and operated by the Western Area Power Administration (WAPA), a federal agency responsible for marketing and transmitting hydroelectric power from federal dams. The substation operates at a voltage of 230 kV, placing it in the high-voltage transmission category, which is typical for bulk power transfer across long distances. The substation is part of WAPA's Upper Great Plains region, which manages a vast network of transmission lines and substations to deliver reliable, low-cost power to rural electric cooperatives, municipal utilities, and other customers. As a 230 kV facility, it plays a critical role in grid stability and power distribution in the region. The substation likely includes modern switchgear and protection systems compliant with NERC reliability standards, ensuring safe and efficient operation. Environmentally, the substation is situated in a rural area of western South Dakota, characterized by grasslands and agricultural land. Its operation supports the integration of renewable energy sources, such as wind power, which is abundant in the region. The substation's role in the transmission grid helps reduce transmission losses and enhances the resilience of the local electrical infrastructure, contributing to the overall reliability of the U.S. power system.
Environmental context
The substation is located in a rural, semi-arid region of South Dakota, where the landscape is dominated by grasslands and agricultural fields. The area experiences a continental climate with cold winters and hot summers, which can affect transmission line efficiency and maintenance schedules. The substation's 230 kV voltage level is critical for connecting remote wind farms to the grid, supporting the region's growing renewable energy sector while minimizing land use impact.
Frequently asked questions
New Underwood Substation is located near New Underwood, South Dakota, in the United States. Its approximate coordinates are 44.0719° N, -102.8269° W.
The substation is owned and operated by the Western Area Power Administration (WAPA), a U.S. federal agency that markets and transmits hydroelectric power from federal dams.
New Underwood Substation operates at 230 kV (230,000 volts), which is a standard high-voltage transmission level used for long-distance power transfer in the United States.
As part of the U.S. bulk power system, New Underwood Substation must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations. These standards cover grid reliability, cybersecurity, and maintenance practices.
WAPA is a federal power marketing administration that sells and delivers hydroelectric power from federal dams to utilities and cooperatives across 15 states. It operates over 17,000 miles of transmission lines and numerous substations.