Overview
Virgil Fodness Substation is an operational electrical substation in the United States, owned by the Western Area Power Administration. It handles voltages of 230 kV, 115 kV, and 69 kV, serving as a key node in the regional transmission grid.
Virgil Fodness Substation is an operational electrical substation located in the United States, owned and operated by the Western Area Power Administration (WAPA). The facility handles multiple voltage levels, including 230 kV, 115 kV, and 69 kV, indicating its role in both high-voltage transmission and sub-transmission distribution. As part of WAPA's network, it supports the delivery of federal hydropower across the central and western U.S. 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. The 230 kV voltage level classifies it as a transmission asset critical for grid stability, while the lower voltages serve local distribution needs. The facility's location in South Dakota places it within the Midwest Reliability Organization (MRO) region, which oversees compliance with NERC standards. Environmentally, the substation facilitates the integration of renewable energy sources, such as wind and hydropower, into the grid. Its operation supports the regional economy by providing reliable electricity to communities and industries. Its role in the WAPA system underscores its importance in maintaining grid reliability and supporting clean energy goals.
Environmental context
The substation is located in a rural area of South Dakota, where the surrounding landscape is primarily agricultural. The region experiences a continental climate with cold winters and warm summers, which influences electricity demand for heating and cooling. The facility's operation supports the transmission of hydropower from the Missouri River dams, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Its location away from urban centers minimizes direct environmental impact, though the presence of high-voltage lines requires consideration of avian safety and land use.
Frequently asked questions
Virgil Fodness Substation is located in the United States, specifically in South Dakota near the coordinates 43.418674, -96.834575. It is owned and operated by the Western Area Power Administration.
The substation handles multiple voltage levels: 230 kV, 115 kV, and 69 kV. These voltages indicate its role in both high-voltage transmission and sub-transmission distribution.
The substation is owned and operated by the Western Area Power Administration (WAPA), a federal agency that markets and transmits hydropower from the Missouri River dams.
As part of the U.S. bulk power system, the substation must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations. It operates within the Midwest Reliability Organization (MRO) region.
The substation serves as a transmission node that interconnects high-voltage lines, facilitating the delivery of hydropower and supporting grid stability. It also provides lower voltage distribution to local areas.