Overview
Ryan REC Substation is an operational electrical substation in Iowa, United States, operated by Maquoketa Valley REC. It operates at 69 kV, serving the local rural grid.
Ryan REC Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Iowa, United States. It is owned and operated by Maquoketa Valley REC, a rural electric cooperative serving the region. The substation operates at a voltage of 69 kV, which is typical for distribution-level infrastructure in rural areas. The facility falls under the regulatory oversight of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), which set reliability standards for the bulk power system. As a substation, it plays a key role in stepping down transmission voltages for local distribution, ensuring stable power supply to residential and agricultural customers. Ryan REC Substation contributes to the reliability of the local electrical grid in eastern Iowa. Its rural location underscores the importance of distributed substations in maintaining service continuity across sparsely populated areas. The substation's operational status supports the cooperative's mission of providing affordable electricity to its members.
Environmental context
The substation is located in a rural area of eastern Iowa, characterized by agricultural land and scattered residential developments. The 69 kV voltage level indicates a distribution substation, which typically has a smaller environmental footprint compared to high-voltage transmission facilities. The surrounding landscape is dominated by cropland and pasture, with minimal sensitive ecological features. The substation's operation involves standard electromagnetic fields and noise, which are managed within regulatory limits.
Frequently asked questions
Ryan REC Substation is located in Iowa, United States, at coordinates 42.347134, -91.500871. It serves the rural area around the Maquoketa Valley region.
Ryan REC Substation operates at 69 kV (69,000 volts), which is a common voltage for distribution substations in rural areas of the United States.
Ryan REC Substation is owned and operated by Maquoketa Valley REC, a rural electric cooperative that provides electricity to members in eastern Iowa.
Substations in the United States must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations. These standards cover equipment maintenance, grid stability, and cybersecurity.
A 69 kV substation steps down transmission-level voltage to distribution levels for local use. It is critical for delivering power to residential, commercial, and agricultural customers in rural areas.