Overview
Bald Mountain Substation is an operational electrical substation in the United States, owned and operated by the Bonneville Power Administration. It handles voltages of 115 kV and 69 kV, serving the regional grid.
Bald Mountain Substation is an operational electrical substation located in the United States, owned and operated by the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA). The facility is part of BPA's extensive transmission network in the Pacific Northwest, which delivers power from federal hydroelectric dams to utilities and communities. As a substation, it plays a critical role in stepping down high-voltage electricity for distribution. The substation operates at voltage levels of 115 kV and 69 kV, typical for subtransmission and distribution substations. It is regulated under the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) standards, which ensure grid reliability and security. The facility likely includes modern switchgear and protection systems to manage power flow and maintain stability within BPA's network. Located in a rural area near the Columbia River Gorge, the substation supports the integration of renewable energy sources, such as wind and hydroelectric power, into the grid. Its operation is essential for maintaining reliable electricity supply to surrounding communities and industries, contributing to the region's energy infrastructure resilience.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in a region characterized by the Columbia River Gorge, an area with significant wind and hydroelectric resources. Its operation supports the transmission of renewable energy, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. The facility's design likely incorporates measures to minimize electromagnetic field impacts and protect local wildlife, in compliance with environmental regulations.
Frequently asked questions
Bald Mountain Substation is located in the United States, with coordinates approximately 45.756567 N, -121.529754 W, in the Pacific Northwest region.
The substation operates at 115 kV and 69 kV, typical for subtransmission and distribution within the Bonneville Power Administration network.
The substation is owned and operated by the Bonneville Power Administration, a federal agency that markets and transmits power from federal hydroelectric dams.
As part of the U.S. bulk power system, the substation must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations for transmission-level assets.
The substation steps down high-voltage electricity for distribution, helping integrate renewable energy sources like wind and hydro into the regional grid.