Overview
Tongue River Substation is an operational electrical substation in Wyoming, United States, owned and operated by Basin Electric Power Cooperative. It operates at a voltage of 230 kV, serving as a key node in the regional transmission grid.
Tongue River Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Wyoming, United States. Owned and operated by Basin Electric Power Cooperative, the facility is a critical component of the regional high-voltage transmission network, stepping down power for distribution to local communities and industries. The substation operates at a voltage of 230 kV, which is typical for bulk power transmission in the United States. As part of the Basin Electric system, it is subject to NERC reliability standards and FERC regulation, ensuring grid stability and compliance with mandatory reliability requirements. The facility's design likely incorporates modern switchgear and automation technologies to support efficient power flow management. Located in a rural area of Wyoming, the substation plays a vital role in delivering electricity to agricultural and industrial customers. Its operation supports the integration of local generation resources, including coal and renewable energy, into the broader Western Interconnection grid. The facility's strategic position helps maintain reliable power supply across the region.
Environmental context
The Tongue River Substation is situated in a semi-arid region of Wyoming, characterized by grasslands and rolling hills. The area experiences cold winters and warm summers, with low annual precipitation. The substation's operation involves minimal direct environmental impact, though its role in transmitting power from nearby generation sources, including coal plants, contributes to regional air quality considerations. The facility's design includes standard environmental safeguards such as oil containment systems for transformers to prevent soil and water contamination.
Frequently asked questions
Tongue River Substation is located in Wyoming, United States, at coordinates 44.971860, -106.861160. It serves the Tongue River area and is part of the regional transmission grid.
Tongue River Substation is owned and operated by Basin Electric Power Cooperative, a generation and transmission cooperative serving member systems in the Upper Midwest and Great Plains.
Tongue River Substation operates at a voltage of 230 kV (230,000 volts), which is a standard high-voltage level for bulk power transmission in the United States.
As part of the U.S. electrical grid, Tongue River Substation must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations. These ensure grid stability, cybersecurity, and operational safety for high-voltage transmission assets.
Substations like Tongue River are critical nodes in the electrical grid, stepping down high-voltage transmission power to lower voltages for distribution. They also enable switching, protection, and monitoring of power flows to maintain reliable electricity supply.