Overview
Ray Junction Substation is an operational electrical substation in North Dakota, United States, operated by Montana-Dakota Utilities. It handles voltages of 115 kV and 57 kV, supporting regional grid stability.
Ray Junction Substation is an operational electrical substation located in North Dakota, United States, operated by Montana-Dakota Utilities. The facility serves as a key node in the regional transmission network, stepping down high-voltage electricity for distribution to local communities and industries. The substation operates at dual voltage levels of 115 kV and 57 kV, typical for sub-transmission and distribution applications. As part of the U.S. electrical infrastructure, it falls under the regulatory oversight of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), which enforce reliability standards for grid stability. The facility's equipment likely includes circuit breakers, transformers, and switchgear compliant with IEEE and ANSI standards. Ray Junction Substation plays a critical role in delivering reliable electricity to the surrounding rural and agricultural region of North Dakota. Its location in the Bakken oil field area underscores its importance in supporting energy-intensive industries. The substation's operational status ensures continued service to residential, commercial, and industrial customers, contributing to the economic vitality of the region.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in a semi-arid, rural area of North Dakota, characterized by flat plains and agricultural land. The local environment is influenced by extreme seasonal temperatures, which can affect equipment performance and maintenance schedules. The facility's voltage levels and location near oil and gas operations highlight its role in supporting energy extraction activities, which have environmental implications such as land use and emissions. Proper management of insulating fluids and electromagnetic fields is essential to minimize ecological impact.
Frequently asked questions
Ray Junction Substation is located in North Dakota, United States, near the coordinates 48.3634 N, -103.1755 W.
Ray Junction Substation operates at 115 kV and 57 kV, typical for sub-transmission and distribution in the U.S. grid.
The substation is owned and operated by Montana-Dakota Utilities, a utility serving the Upper Midwest region.
As part of the U.S. electrical grid, Ray Junction Substation must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations for transmission and distribution assets.
Substations like Ray Junction step down high-voltage electricity from transmission lines to lower voltages for distribution to homes and businesses, ensuring grid stability and reliable power supply.