Overview
Plain Dealing Substation is an operational electrical substation in Louisiana, United States, owned and operated by Southwestern Electric Power Company. It operates at 69 kV, serving the local grid.
Plain Dealing Substation is an electrical substation located in Louisiana, United States. Owned and operated by Southwestern Electric Power Company (SWEPCO), the facility is part of the regional transmission and distribution network. The substation operates at a voltage of 69 kV, which is typical for sub-transmission or distribution-level infrastructure, supporting electricity delivery to local communities and industrial customers. The substation operates under the regulatory framework of the United States, which includes compliance with North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) reliability standards and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) oversight for transmission assets. SWEPCO, a subsidiary of American Electric Power, manages this facility as part of its integrated grid system. The 69 kV voltage level indicates a medium-voltage substation that steps down power from higher transmission voltages for local distribution. As a substation in rural Louisiana, Plain Dealing Substation plays a key role in maintaining grid stability and reliability for the surrounding area. Its operational status ensures continued service to residential, commercial, and industrial customers. The facility's location in the southern United States subjects it to weather-related risks such as hurricanes and thunderstorms, which are managed through standard utility resilience measures.
Environmental context
The substation is located in a rural area of Louisiana, characterized by flat terrain and a humid subtropical climate. The region is prone to severe weather events including hurricanes, tornadoes, and thunderstorms, which can pose risks to electrical infrastructure. The facility's design likely includes measures to withstand high winds and flooding, common in the Gulf Coast region. The surrounding environment includes mixed agricultural and forested land, with minimal urban development.
Frequently asked questions
Plain Dealing Substation is located in Louisiana, United States, near the town of Plain Dealing. The exact coordinates are 32.900616 N, -93.706776 W.
Plain Dealing Substation operates at 69 kV (69,000 volts), which is a common voltage for sub-transmission and distribution substations in the United States.
Plain Dealing Substation is owned and operated by Southwestern Electric Power Company (SWEPCO), a subsidiary of American Electric Power (AEP).
Substations in the United States must comply with North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) reliability standards and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) regulations. These standards cover grid reliability, cybersecurity, and maintenance.
A 69 kV substation typically steps down voltage from higher transmission lines (e.g., 138 kV or 230 kV) for distribution to local areas. It also provides switching and protection functions to ensure grid stability and reliable power delivery.