Overview
Sioux City Substation is an operational electrical substation in Sioux City, Iowa, owned by the Western Area Power Administration. It operates at 345 kV and 230 kV, serving as a key node in the regional transmission grid.
Sioux City Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Sioux City, Iowa, United States. Owned by the Western Area Power Administration (WAPA), a federal power marketing administration, this facility plays a critical role in the transmission of electricity across the central United States. The substation operates at high voltage levels of 345 kV and 230 kV, indicating its importance in the bulk power system. The substation's technical specifications include dual voltage levels of 345,000 volts and 230,000 volts, which are typical for high-voltage transmission substations that interconnect major power lines. As part of WAPA's network, it is subject to North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) reliability standards and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) regulation. The facility likely employs modern switchgear and protection systems compliant with ISO/IEC 61850 standards for substation automation. Located in the Missouri River valley, the substation supports the electrical infrastructure of Sioux City and surrounding agricultural and industrial areas. Its strategic position within WAPA's transmission system enhances grid stability and reliability for the region. The substation's operational status ensures continued service to communities and industries dependent on a stable power supply.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in an urban-rural interface near Sioux City, Iowa, within the Missouri River floodplain. The area experiences a continental climate with hot summers and cold winters, which can affect equipment performance and maintenance schedules. The facility's high voltage levels (345 kV and 230 kV) require significant land clearance and may impact local wildlife corridors, though typical mitigation measures include vegetation management and bird-safe designs.
Frequently asked questions
Sioux City Substation is located in Sioux City, Iowa, United States, at coordinates 42.602984, -96.306267.
Sioux City Substation operates at 345,000 volts (345 kV) and 230,000 volts (230 kV), which are typical for high-voltage transmission substations.
Sioux City Substation is owned by the Western Area Power Administration (WAPA), a federal power marketing administration in the United States.
As part of the U.S. bulk power system, Sioux City Substation must comply with NERC reliability standards and is regulated by FERC for transmission-level assets.
Substations like Sioux City step up or step down voltage, switch circuits, and serve as nodes in the transmission grid to ensure reliable power delivery to consumers.