Overview
River Hills Gas Plant is a 161 kV substation in Des Moines, Iowa, operated by MidAmerican Energy. It plays a key role in the regional electrical grid, supporting power distribution and grid stability.
River Hills Gas Plant is a substation located in Des Moines, Iowa, United States. Operated by MidAmerican Energy, it operates at a voltage of 161 kV, classifying it as a high-voltage substation critical for regional power transmission and distribution. The facility is part of the broader electrical infrastructure serving the Des Moines metropolitan area and surrounding regions. As a substation, River Hills Gas Plant is subject to North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) reliability standards and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) regulations for transmission-level assets. The 161 kV voltage level indicates its role in subtransmission or distribution, connecting bulk power systems to local networks. Typical equipment includes switchgear, transformers, and protection systems compliant with ISO/IEC 61850 for substation automation. The substation's operational status ensures reliable electricity supply to residential, commercial, and industrial customers in central Iowa. Its location in an urban area underscores its importance for grid stability and load balancing. MidAmerican Energy, a major utility in the region, oversees its maintenance and compliance with regulatory frameworks.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in an urban environment in Des Moines, Iowa, where electrical infrastructure supports a mix of residential, commercial, and industrial loads. The 161 kV voltage level is typical for subtransmission systems that distribute power from higher-voltage transmission lines to local distribution networks. Standard practices for substations in this region include regular maintenance to ensure reliability and minimize environmental impact from potential oil leaks or SF6 emissions.
Frequently asked questions
River Hills Gas Plant is a substation located in Des Moines, Iowa, United States, at coordinates 41.591010, -93.619689.
River Hills Gas Plant operates at a voltage of 161 kV, which is typical for high-voltage substations in subtransmission and distribution networks.
River Hills Gas Plant is operated by MidAmerican Energy, a major utility company serving Iowa and surrounding states.
Substations in the United States must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations for grid stability. Additionally, ISO/IEC 61850 standards for substation automation are commonly adopted.
A 161 kV substation typically serves as a subtransmission node, stepping down voltage from higher transmission levels (e.g., 345 kV) to distribution levels (e.g., 69 kV or lower), ensuring reliable power delivery to local networks.