Overview
St. James Substation is an operational electrical substation in Indiana, United States, owned and operated by CenterPoint Energy. It operates at 69 kV, serving as a key node in the regional power grid.
St. James Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Indiana, United States. Owned and operated by CenterPoint Energy, the facility plays a role in the regional transmission and distribution network. With a voltage level of 69 kV, it is classified as a medium-voltage substation, typical for sub-transmission and distribution applications. 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. As part of CenterPoint Energy's infrastructure, it adheres to NERC's Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) standards and FERC's regulations for grid reliability. The 69 kV voltage level suggests it likely serves as a distribution substation, stepping down power from higher transmission voltages for local delivery. St. James Substation contributes to the electrical infrastructure of Indiana, supporting residential, commercial, and industrial customers in the region. Its operational status ensures continued grid stability and power delivery. The facility's location in the Midwest, a region with diverse energy sources including coal, natural gas, and renewables, highlights its role in integrating power from various generation sources into the local grid.
Environmental context
The substation is located in a rural area of Indiana, where the surrounding landscape includes agricultural fields and scattered woodlands. The 69 kV voltage level indicates it is a medium-voltage facility, typically associated with distribution rather than high-voltage transmission. Its rural setting may reduce direct environmental impact compared to urban substations, but it still requires vegetation management and oil containment measures to prevent soil and water contamination. Typical substations of this scale use air-insulated or gas-insulated switchgear.
Frequently asked questions
St. James Substation is located in Indiana, United States, at coordinates 38.170957, -87.572812.
St. James Substation operates at 69 kV, which is a medium voltage level typical for sub-transmission and distribution substations.
St. James Substation is owned and operated by CenterPoint Energy, a major utility company serving the Midwest and other regions.
Substations in the United States must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations, including Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) standards for cybersecurity and physical security.
A 69 kV substation typically serves as a distribution substation, stepping down voltage from higher transmission levels (e.g., 138 kV or 230 kV) for local distribution to homes and businesses.