Overview
Sentinel Butte Substation is an operational electrical substation in North Dakota, United States, owned and operated by Montana-Dakota Utilities. It operates at 57 kV and 4.16 kV, supporting regional grid stability.
Sentinel Butte Substation is an operational electrical substation located in North Dakota, United States. Owned and operated by Montana-Dakota Utilities, it serves as a key node in the regional power distribution network. The substation's voltage levels of 57 kV and 4.16 kV indicate it functions as a distribution substation, stepping down transmission-level power for local delivery. As part of the U.S. electrical infrastructure, this facility operates under the regulatory oversight of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and adheres to North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) reliability standards. Montana-Dakota Utilities, a subsidiary of MDU Resources Group, serves customers across the Upper Midwest, and this substation plays a role in maintaining reliable service in the rural region. The substation's location in western North Dakota, near the Montana border, places it in an area with significant wind energy development and oil and gas activity. Its role in the grid is critical for integrating local generation and ensuring stable power supply to residential, agricultural, and industrial customers. The facility's operational status and adherence to regulatory standards contribute to the overall resilience of the regional electrical network.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in a semi-arid region of North Dakota characterized by grasslands and agricultural land. The local environment experiences harsh winters and hot summers, which can affect equipment performance and maintenance schedules. The area's growing wind energy sector means the substation may interconnect renewable generation, supporting clean energy integration while requiring careful grid management to handle variable power flows.
Frequently asked questions
Sentinel Butte Substation is located in North Dakota, United States, near the Montana border. Its coordinates are approximately 46.9048 N, -103.8403 W.
The substation is owned and operated by Montana-Dakota Utilities, a utility company serving the Upper Midwest region of the United States.
The substation operates at two voltage levels: 57,000 volts (57 kV) and 4,160 volts (4.16 kV), indicating it functions as a distribution substation.
In the United States, substations must comply with NERC reliability standards for grid stability and FERC regulations for transmission-level assets. Local utility practices also follow IEEE and ISO/IEC standards for substation automation.
As a distribution substation, it steps down transmission voltage to lower levels for local distribution, serving residential, commercial, and industrial customers in the area. It also supports integration of local generation, including wind energy.