Overview
West Boulevard Substation is an operational electrical substation in the United States, owned and operated by Black Hills Energy. It handles voltages of 69 kV and 4.16 kV, serving the regional power grid.
West Boulevard Substation is an operational electrical substation located in the United States, specifically at coordinates 44.084999, -103.234574. Owned and operated by Black Hills Energy, this facility plays a key role in the regional electrical infrastructure, stepping down transmission-level voltages for local distribution. The substation operates with voltage levels of 69,000 volts (69 kV) and 4,160 volts (4.16 kV), indicating it serves both sub-transmission and distribution functions. As part of the U.S. electrical grid, it falls under the regulatory oversight of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), which enforce reliability standards for grid stability. This facility contributes to the reliability of the local power supply, supporting residential, commercial, and industrial customers in the area. Its operation by Black Hills Energy, a major utility in the region, underscores its importance in maintaining consistent electricity delivery and grid resilience.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in a region with a semi-arid climate, typical of the western United States. Its location near Rapid City, South Dakota, places it in an area where extreme weather events, such as thunderstorms and winter storms, can impact grid operations. The facility's design and maintenance likely incorporate measures to withstand these conditions, ensuring continuous power supply to the community.
Frequently asked questions
West Boulevard Substation is located in the United States at coordinates 44.084999, -103.234574, near Rapid City, South Dakota.
The substation operates at 69,000 volts (69 kV) and 4,160 volts (4.16 kV), serving both sub-transmission and distribution functions.
West Boulevard Substation is owned and operated by Black Hills Energy, a utility company serving customers in the region.
Substations in the United States must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations, which ensure grid stability and operational safety.
Substations step down high-voltage electricity from transmission lines to lower voltages for distribution to homes and businesses, playing a critical role in grid reliability.