Overview
Wood Lake Substation is an operational electrical substation in Minnesota, United States, owned and operated by the Minnesota Valley Cooperative Light & Power Association. It operates at a voltage of 69 kV, serving the local grid.
Wood Lake Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Minnesota, United States. Owned and operated by the Minnesota Valley Cooperative Light & Power Association, the facility plays a key role in the regional electrical infrastructure. With a voltage level of 69 kV, it is classified as a medium-voltage substation, typical for distribution and sub-transmission networks in rural cooperative systems. The substation operates under the regulatory framework of the United States, which includes compliance with North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) reliability standards and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) oversight for transmission-level assets. As a cooperative-owned facility, it is subject to state-level utility regulations and cooperative governance. The 69 kV voltage level indicates its role in stepping down power from higher transmission voltages for local distribution. Wood Lake Substation contributes to the reliability of the electrical grid in southwestern Minnesota, serving agricultural and rural communities. Its operation by a cooperative underscores the importance of member-owned utilities in providing electricity to less densely populated areas. The facility's presence supports local economic activity and ensures stable power supply for residential, commercial, and agricultural customers.
Environmental context
The substation is located in a rural area of Minnesota, characterized by agricultural land and dispersed settlements. The environmental context includes potential impacts on local wildlife and habitats from electromagnetic fields and land use. The facility's age and maintenance practices influence its environmental footprint, with older switchgear potentially containing insulating oils that require careful management. The rural setting reduces exposure to urban heat island effects but may involve proximity to sensitive ecosystems.
Frequently asked questions
Wood Lake Substation is located in Minnesota, United States, at coordinates 44.644728, -95.614303. It is situated in a rural area and serves the local electrical grid.
Wood Lake Substation operates at a voltage of 69 kV (69,000 volts). This is a medium-voltage level commonly used for sub-transmission and distribution in rural cooperative systems.
Wood Lake Substation is owned and operated by the Minnesota Valley Cooperative Light & Power Association, a member-owned electric cooperative serving southwestern Minnesota.
As part of the US electrical grid, Wood Lake Substation must comply with NERC reliability standards for grid stability and FERC regulations for transmission-level assets. State-level utility regulations also apply.
A 69 kV substation typically steps down higher transmission voltages (e.g., 115 kV or 230 kV) to distribution voltages for local use. It plays a critical role in ensuring reliable power delivery to rural and agricultural areas.