Overview
Williamsburg West Substation is an operational electrical substation in Iowa, United States, operated by ITC. It operates at 161 kV, serving as a key node in the regional transmission grid.
Williamsburg West Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Iowa, United States. Operated by ITC, the facility operates at a voltage of 161 kV, placing it within the high-voltage transmission category. This substation plays a critical role in stepping down electricity from transmission lines to distribution networks, ensuring reliable power supply to the surrounding area. As part of the U.S. electrical infrastructure, this substation operates under the regulatory oversight of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and adheres to reliability standards set by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC). The facility is likely equipped with modern switchgear and automation systems compliant with standards such as ISO/IEC 61850, which enhance grid stability and monitoring capabilities. The substation's location in rural Iowa supports the regional grid by connecting local generation sources to load centers. Its operation contributes to the resilience of the Midwest power system, which faces challenges from extreme weather events and increasing renewable energy integration. The facility's age and maintenance practices are critical to its long-term reliability.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in a rural agricultural area of Iowa, where the landscape is dominated by farmland and scattered communities. The local environment is characterized by temperate climate with seasonal extremes, including thunderstorms and winter storms that can impact grid operations. The facility's design likely incorporates measures to mitigate environmental risks such as flooding and ice accumulation, common in the region.
Frequently asked questions
Williamsburg West Substation is located in Iowa, United States, near the town of Williamsburg. Its coordinates are approximately 41.6742° N, 92.0650° W.
The substation operates at 161 kV, which is a common high-voltage level for transmission substations in the United States.
The substation is operated by ITC, a major independent transmission company in the United States.
As part of the US electrical grid, the substation must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations for transmission assets.
A 161 kV substation typically steps down high-voltage electricity from transmission lines to lower voltages for distribution to local communities, ensuring stable and reliable power delivery.