Overview
Altoona Substation is an operational electrical substation in Altoona, Pennsylvania, owned and operated by FirstEnergy. It handles voltages of 230 kV and 46 kV, serving the regional grid.
Altoona Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Altoona, Pennsylvania, United States. Owned and operated by FirstEnergy, a major utility in the region, the facility plays a key role in the local electrical infrastructure. The substation handles transmission-level voltages of 230 kV and 46 kV, indicating its function in both high-voltage transmission and sub-transmission distribution. The substation operates under the regulatory framework of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), which set reliability standards for the bulk power system. As part of the Pennsylvania-New Jersey-Maryland (PJM) Interconnection, the facility must comply with grid reliability and market rules. The voltage levels suggest the substation is of medium to large scale, typical for regional power distribution. The facility's location in central Pennsylvania supports the electrical needs of the Altoona area, including residential, commercial, and industrial customers. Its connection to the broader PJM grid ensures stability and power flow across the region. The substation's operational status and ownership by FirstEnergy underscore its importance in maintaining reliable electricity supply.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in a mixed urban and rural environment in central Pennsylvania. Its operation involves electromagnetic fields and potential impacts on local wildlife, though modern substations are designed to minimize such effects. The facility's voltage levels and grid role require careful management of environmental compliance, including stormwater runoff and oil containment from transformers.
Frequently asked questions
Altoona Substation is located in Altoona, Pennsylvania, United States, at coordinates 40.466172, -78.325390.
Altoona Substation is owned and operated by FirstEnergy, a major electric utility serving the Mid-Atlantic and Great Lakes regions.
Altoona Substation handles voltages of 230 kV and 46 kV, serving both transmission and sub-transmission functions.
Altoona Substation operates under NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations, as part of the PJM Interconnection.
Altoona Substation helps distribute electricity from high-voltage transmission lines to local distribution networks, supporting the Altoona area.