Overview
Swisher Substation is an operational electrical substation in Iowa, United States, owned by Linn County REC. It operates at voltage levels of 69 kV and 12.5 kV, serving the local grid.
Swisher Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Iowa, United States. Owned and operated by Linn County REC, the facility plays a key role in the regional power distribution network. The substation operates at voltage levels of 69 kV and 12.5 kV, typical for sub-transmission and distribution infrastructure in rural electric cooperatives. The substation's technical specifications include dual voltage levels, which allow it to step down power from higher transmission voltages to distribution levels suitable for local consumers. As part of Linn County REC's network, it adheres to North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) reliability standards and is subject to Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) oversight for interconnection and reliability. The facility likely employs conventional air-insulated switchgear, common for substations of this scale in the region. Swisher Substation contributes to grid stability and electricity supply for the surrounding rural and suburban communities in Linn County. Its location in Iowa, a state with a mix of agricultural and industrial loads, underscores its importance in maintaining reliable power delivery. The substation's operational status ensures continued service to the local distribution network, supporting both residential and commercial customers.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in a rural area of Iowa, where agricultural land use dominates. The local environment is characterized by open fields and scattered residential developments. Substations of this type typically have minimal direct environmental impact, though they require vegetation management to maintain clearances. The 69 kV and 12.5 kV voltage levels indicate a sub-transmission and distribution role, with lower electromagnetic field exposure compared to higher-voltage transmission lines. The facility's design likely includes oil containment for transformers to prevent soil contamination.
Frequently asked questions
Swisher Substation is located in Iowa, United States, near the coordinates 41.865279, -91.694280. It serves the local area as part of Linn County REC's distribution network.
Swisher Substation operates at voltage levels of 69 kV and 12.5 kV. The 69 kV level is typical for sub-transmission, while 12.5 kV is used for local distribution to consumers.
Swisher Substation is owned and operated by Linn County REC, a rural electric cooperative serving parts of Iowa.
Substations in the United States must comply with NERC reliability standards for grid stability and FERC regulations for interconnection. Additionally, ISO/IEC 61850 standards for substation automation may be adopted for modern control systems.
Substations are critical nodes in the electrical grid that transform voltage levels, switch circuits, and protect the system. They enable the transmission of power from generation sources to distribution networks serving homes and businesses.