Opal Substation - Arkansas Electrical Substation Operated by Rich Mountain Electric Cooperative

Opal Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Arkansas, United States, owned and operated by Rich Mountain Electric Cooperative. The facility operates at a voltage of 69 kV, classifying it as a medium-voltage substation typical for rural distribution networks in the region. The substation operates under the regulatory framework of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), which set reliability standards for the bulk power system. As a cooperative-owned asset, it plays a role in the local distribution grid, serving residential and commercial customers in the area. As part of the Rich Mountain Electric Cooperative system, Opal Substation contributes to the reliability and stability of the local electrical infrastructure. Its rural location underscores its importance in providing electricity to communities that might otherwise have limited access to the grid. The substation's operational status ensures continued service to the region.

Located in a rural area of Arkansas, the substation's environmental context is shaped by the surrounding forested and agricultural landscape. The 69 kV voltage level indicates a medium-scale facility that integrates into the local distribution network, with potential impacts on land use and wildlife corridors typical of such infrastructure. The cooperative's focus on reliable service aligns with regional grid stability needs.