Overview
Shipe Road Substation is an operational electrical substation in Arkansas, United States, owned and operated by Southwestern Electric Power Company. It handles voltages of 345 kV and 161 kV, serving the regional power grid.
Shipe Road Substation is an electrical substation located in Arkansas, United States, owned and operated by Southwestern Electric Power Company (SWEPCO). The facility is operational and plays a key role in the regional transmission network, handling high-voltage electricity at 345 kV and 161 kV. As a substation, it facilitates the step-down and distribution of power from transmission lines to local distribution networks. 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 the bulk power system. SWEPCO, a subsidiary of American Electric Power, manages this facility as part of its integrated grid serving parts of Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas. The dual voltage levels indicate its role in both high-voltage transmission and sub-transmission. Environmentally, the substation's location in Arkansas places it within a region with diverse weather patterns, including thunderstorms and occasional ice storms, which can affect grid reliability. The facility's design and maintenance are critical to ensuring stable power supply to residential, commercial, and industrial customers in the area. Its operation supports the broader electrical infrastructure of the United States, contributing to grid resilience and energy delivery.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in Arkansas, a state with a humid subtropical climate, experiencing hot summers and mild winters. The region is prone to severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, and ice storms, which pose risks to overhead transmission lines and substation equipment. The facility's voltage level and criticality to grid stability require robust design and maintenance to withstand such events. Its rural location may also involve considerations for land use and wildlife, though specific environmental impacts are managed through standard utility practices.
Frequently asked questions
Shipe Road Substation is located in Arkansas, United States, near coordinates 36.3582 N, -94.3545 W.
The substation operates at two voltage levels: 345 kV and 161 kV, indicating its role in both high-voltage transmission and sub-transmission.
The substation is owned and operated by Southwestern Electric Power Company (SWEPCO), a subsidiary of American Electric Power.
As part of the US bulk power system, the substation must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations for transmission-level assets.
Substations like Shipe Road step down high-voltage electricity from transmission lines to lower voltages for distribution, and also provide switching and protection functions for grid reliability.