Overview
Poplar Bluff Substation is an operational electrical substation in Missouri, United States, operated by the Southwestern Power Administration. It operates at 161 kV, serving as a key node in the regional transmission grid.
Poplar Bluff Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, United States. It is owned and operated by the Southwestern Power Administration (SWPA), a federal power marketing administration within the U.S. Department of Energy. The substation operates at a voltage of 161 kV, placing it in the medium-to-high voltage range typical for sub-transmission and distribution-level infrastructure. As part of SWPA's network, it supports the delivery of hydroelectric power from federal dams to utilities and communities across the region. The substation's technical specifications indicate a 161 kV voltage level, which is commonly used for regional power transmission and interconnection with local distribution systems. In the United States, substations of this voltage class are subject to reliability standards set by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). SWPA, as a federal entity, adheres to these standards to ensure grid stability and security. The substation likely includes switchgear, transformers, and protection systems compliant with industry standards such as IEEE C37 for high-voltage equipment. Poplar Bluff Substation plays a critical role in the electrical infrastructure of southeastern Missouri, supporting the region's energy needs. Its location in a rural area underscores its importance in connecting remote generation sources to load centers. The substation's operational status and federal ownership indicate a high level of regulatory oversight and maintenance, contributing to reliable power delivery for residential, commercial, and industrial customers in the area.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in a rural area of southeastern Missouri, near the Black River and the Mark Twain National Forest. The region's electrical infrastructure supports a mix of agricultural, forestry, and light industrial activities. The 161 kV voltage level indicates the substation's role in transmitting power from distant generation sources, such as hydroelectric dams on the Arkansas and White Rivers, to local distribution networks. The surrounding landscape includes wetlands and forested areas, which may influence siting and maintenance practices to minimize ecological disruption.
Frequently asked questions
Poplar Bluff Substation is located in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, United States, at coordinates 36.791859, -90.425941.
Poplar Bluff Substation operates at a voltage of 161 kV, which is typical for sub-transmission and distribution-level substations in the United States.
Poplar Bluff Substation is owned and operated by the Southwestern Power Administration (SWPA), a federal power marketing administration under the U.S. Department of Energy.
In the United States, substations are subject to NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations. Equipment often complies with IEEE standards such as C37 for switchgear and transformers.
A 161 kV substation typically steps down transmission voltage for regional distribution or interconnects local generation. It serves as a critical node for grid stability and power delivery to communities.