Overview
Badger Canyon Substation is an operational electrical substation in Washington State, USA, operating at 115 kV. It plays a role in regional grid stability and power distribution.
Badger Canyon Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Washington State, United States. The facility operates at a voltage of 115 kV, placing it within the sub-transmission or distribution voltage range typical for regional power distribution networks. As a substation, it serves as a node for voltage transformation and switching, facilitating the reliable delivery of electricity to local communities and industries. The substation operates under the regulatory framework of the United States, which includes reliability standards set by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and oversight by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for transmission-level assets. While 115 kV is below the typical high-voltage transmission threshold, the facility is still subject to applicable grid codes and standards to ensure safe and reliable operation. The infrastructure likely includes switchgear, transformers, and protection systems that comply with industry standards such as IEEE and ISO/IEC 61850 for substation automation. Environmentally, the substation is situated in the arid region of eastern Washington, near the Columbia River basin. Its operation supports the local grid, which integrates hydropower from the Columbia River dams as well as other renewable energy sources. The facility's role in voltage regulation and power distribution is critical for maintaining grid stability in an area with growing energy demand from agriculture and urban development.
Environmental context
The substation is located in the semi-arid climate of eastern Washington, an area characterized by agriculture and proximity to the Columbia River. The local grid relies heavily on hydropower, and the substation's 115 kV infrastructure supports the integration of renewable energy sources. Its urban-rural interface location means it serves both residential and agricultural loads, with potential environmental considerations related to land use and electromagnetic fields.
Frequently asked questions
Badger Canyon Substation is located in Washington State, United States, near the coordinates 46.207294 N, -119.256962 W.
Badger Canyon Substation operates at a voltage of 115 kV, which is typical for sub-transmission or distribution-level substations.
Badger Canyon Substation is currently operational, serving as an active node in the regional power grid.
Substations in the United States must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations for grid stability. Additionally, equipment often follows IEEE standards and ISO/IEC 61850 for automation.
A 115 kV substation typically steps down voltage from higher transmission levels for distribution to local areas, or interconnects sub-transmission lines. It provides switching, protection, and voltage regulation to ensure reliable power delivery.