Overview
West Frankfort East Substation is an operational electrical substation in Illinois, United States, handling voltages of 345 kV and 138 kV for grid stability.
West Frankfort East Substation is an operational electrical substation located in West Frankfort, Illinois, United States. It serves as a critical node in the regional power grid, stepping down transmission voltages for distribution. The facility operates under the regulatory oversight of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), ensuring compliance with reliability standards. The substation is equipped with voltage levels of 345 kV and 138 kV, indicating its role in high-voltage transmission and sub-transmission. Such voltage levels are typical for facilities that interconnect major power lines and support grid stability in the region. The substation likely includes switchgear, transformers, and protection systems adhering to IEEE and ISO/IEC 61850 standards for automation and communication. Located in southern Illinois, the substation supports the local energy needs of West Frankfort and surrounding communities. Its operational status contributes to the resilience of the electrical infrastructure in the area, facilitating power flow from generation sources to end users. The facility's age and specific equipment details are not publicly available, but its voltage class suggests a significant role in the regional grid.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in a rural area of southern Illinois, characterized by mixed agricultural and forested landscapes. Its operation involves electromagnetic fields and potential oil containment from transformers, which are managed under environmental regulations. The facility's high voltage levels require careful siting to minimize visual and ecological impact, though specific local environmental conditions are not detailed.
Frequently asked questions
West Frankfort East Substation is located in West Frankfort, Illinois, United States, at coordinates 37.878522, -88.849270.
The substation operates at 345 kV and 138 kV, indicating its role in high-voltage transmission and sub-transmission.
The substation operates under the regulatory framework of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), ensuring grid reliability and compliance.
The substation is currently operational, contributing to the regional power grid's stability and reliability.
Substations in the US typically adhere to IEEE standards and ISO/IEC 61850 for substation automation, along with NERC reliability standards for grid operations.