Overview
Sunburst is a 69 kV substation operated by Marias River Electric Cooperative in Montana, United States. It supports local grid stability and rural electricity distribution.
Sunburst is a substation located in Montana, United States, operated by Marias River Electric Cooperative. It operates at 69 kV, a typical voltage for sub-transmission and distribution substations serving rural areas. The facility plays a key role in stepping down power from higher-voltage transmission lines for local distribution. As a substation in the United States, Sunburst operates under the regulatory framework of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for reliability standards. The 69 kV voltage level is common for rural cooperatives, balancing capacity and cost for dispersed communities. The facility likely includes switchgear and transformers to manage power flow and ensure grid stability. Sunburst serves the Marias River Electric Cooperative's service area, providing reliable electricity to rural customers in Montana. Its operational status ensures continued support for agricultural and residential loads. The substation's location in a sparsely populated region underscores its importance in maintaining grid connectivity and power quality for remote areas.
Environmental context
The substation is located in a rural area of Montana, characterized by agricultural land and open plains. Its 69 kV voltage level is typical for rural distribution, with lower environmental impact compared to high-voltage transmission lines. The facility's operation supports local communities without significant land-use changes, and its age and technology are standard for the region.
Frequently asked questions
Sunburst substation is located in Montana, United States, near the coordinates 48.882253, -111.906130. It is operated by Marias River Electric Cooperative.
Sunburst substation operates at 69 kV (69,000 volts), which is a common voltage level for sub-transmission and distribution substations in rural areas.
Sunburst substation is operated by Marias River Electric Cooperative, a rural electric cooperative serving parts of Montana.
Substations in the United States must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations. These standards cover grid stability, maintenance, and cybersecurity for transmission and distribution assets.
A 69 kV substation typically steps down voltage from higher transmission lines (e.g., 115 kV or 230 kV) to distribution levels (e.g., 12.47 kV) for local delivery. It also provides switching and protection functions to maintain grid reliability.