Overview
Rice Transmission Substation, operated by Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency, is a 161 kV substation in Minnesota, United States. It plays a key role in regional grid stability and power distribution.
Rice Transmission Substation is an electrical substation located in Minnesota, United States, operated by the Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency (SMMPA). The facility operates at a voltage level of 161 kV, classifying it as a high-voltage transmission substation that supports the regional power grid. 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 transmission assets. As part of SMMPA's network, it integrates power from generation sources and distributes electricity to municipal utilities across southern Minnesota. The facility's operational status is active, contributing to the resilience of the local electrical infrastructure. Its location in a rural area of Minnesota supports agricultural and residential communities, ensuring reliable power supply. The substation's role in voltage regulation and grid stability is critical for maintaining service quality in the region.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in a rural area of Minnesota, characterized by agricultural land and scattered residential developments. The 161 kV voltage level indicates its role in bulk power transmission, with potential environmental considerations including electromagnetic field management and land use for transmission corridors. The facility's operation aligns with NERC standards for vegetation management and wildlife protection near power lines.
Frequently asked questions
Rice Transmission Substation is located in Minnesota, United States, near coordinates 43.364165, -92.377059.
Rice Transmission Substation operates at 161 kV, which is a common voltage level for high-voltage transmission substations in the United States.
Rice Transmission Substation is operated by the Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency (SMMPA), a joint-action agency providing wholesale electricity to municipal utilities.
As a transmission asset in the United States, Rice Transmission Substation must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations, ensuring grid stability and security.
A 161 kV substation steps down high-voltage electricity from transmission lines to lower voltages for distribution, or interconnects different parts of the grid, playing a critical role in power flow management and reliability.