Overview
Winterset Substation is an operational electrical substation in Iowa, United States, owned and operated by CIPCO. It operates at voltage levels of 161 kV and 69 kV, serving the local grid.
Winterset Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Iowa, United States. Owned and operated by CIPCO, the facility plays a key role in the regional power transmission and distribution network. The substation handles voltage levels of 161 kV and 69 kV, indicating its function in stepping down high-voltage transmission power for local distribution. The substation operates under the regulatory framework of the United States, which includes NERC reliability standards and FERC oversight for transmission-level assets. As a substation in a rural area of Iowa, it likely supports agricultural and residential electricity demand. The facility's voltage levels suggest it is a medium-scale substation, typical for connecting transmission lines to distribution networks. Environmentally, the substation's location in rural Iowa means it is situated in an area with low population density, reducing direct human exposure to electromagnetic fields. The facility's operation is critical for maintaining grid stability in the region, especially during extreme weather events common in the Midwest. Its role in the CIPCO cooperative network ensures reliable power supply to member communities.
Environmental context
The substation is located in a rural area of Iowa, characterized by agricultural land use and low population density. This setting minimizes potential environmental impacts such as electromagnetic field exposure to residential areas. The facility's operation supports grid stability in a region prone to severe weather, including thunderstorms and winter storms, which can affect power infrastructure.
Frequently asked questions
Winterset Substation is located in Iowa, United States, near the city of Winterset. Its coordinates are approximately 41.3046° N, -93.9759° W.
Winterset Substation operates at voltage levels of 161 kV and 69 kV, which are typical for transmission and sub-transmission substations in the United States.
Winterset Substation is owned and operated by CIPCO (Central Iowa Power Cooperative), a generation and transmission cooperative serving member distribution cooperatives in Iowa.
Substations in the United States must comply with NERC reliability standards for grid stability and FERC regulations for transmission assets. Additionally, substation automation often follows the IEC 61850 standard.
Substations like Winterset transform voltage levels between transmission and distribution networks, enabling efficient power delivery. They also provide switching, protection, and monitoring functions to maintain grid reliability.