Overview
Stonybrook Substation is an operational electrical substation in the United States, operating at 69 kV. It plays a role in regional grid stability and power distribution.
Stonybrook Substation is an operational electrical substation located in the United States, with coordinates 46.529432, -94.453354. The facility operates at a voltage level of 69 kV, which is typical for sub-transmission and distribution substations that serve local communities and industrial areas. As part of the U.S. electrical grid, it falls under the regulatory oversight of NERC and FERC for reliability and compliance with standards such as NERC CIP for cybersecurity and physical security. The substation's 69 kV voltage class places it in the medium-voltage range, often used to step down power from higher transmission voltages for distribution to end users. In the U.S., substations of this scale are critical for maintaining grid stability and ensuring reliable electricity supply to residential, commercial, and industrial customers. The facility's operational status indicates it is actively contributing to the regional power network. Environmental considerations for substations include the management of insulating oils and SF6 gas, which are used in switchgear and transformers. Stonybrook Substation's location in a rural or suburban area of Minnesota suggests it may serve a mix of agricultural and residential loads. The facility's role in the local grid underscores its importance for community resilience and economic activity.
Environmental context
The substation is located in a region with a continental climate, experiencing cold winters and warm summers. Its 69 kV voltage level indicates it is likely a distribution substation, which typically has a smaller footprint and lower environmental impact than high-voltage transmission substations. The facility's operation involves standard environmental management practices for electrical equipment, including containment of insulating fluids and monitoring of SF6 gas emissions.
Frequently asked questions
Stonybrook Substation is located in the United States at coordinates 46.529432, -94.453354, likely in the state of Minnesota.
Stonybrook Substation operates at a voltage of 69 kV, which is a common voltage for sub-transmission and distribution substations in the United States.
Stonybrook Substation is currently operational, meaning it is actively functioning as part of the electrical grid.
Substations in the United States are subject to NERC reliability standards, including CIP for cybersecurity, and FERC regulations for transmission-level assets. For distribution substations, state public utility commissions also have oversight.
A 69 kV substation typically steps down power from higher transmission voltages (e.g., 115 kV or 230 kV) to distribution voltages (e.g., 12 kV or 34.5 kV) for delivery to homes and businesses. It may also serve as a switching station for grid routing.