Overview
Barracks Road Substation is an operational electrical substation in Virginia, United States, operated by Virginia Electric and Power Company. It operates at 230 kV, serving the regional grid.
Barracks Road Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Virginia, United States. Owned and operated by Virginia Electric and Power Company, a subsidiary of Dominion Energy, the facility plays a key role in the regional transmission network. With a voltage level of 230 kV, it is classified as a high-voltage substation, typical of infrastructure supporting bulk power transfer and distribution to urban and suburban areas. The substation operates under the regulatory framework of the U.S. electric grid, which is overseen by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for interstate transmission and by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) for reliability standards. As part of the PJM Interconnection, the facility must comply with mandatory reliability standards, including those for voltage control, protection systems, and cybersecurity. The 230 kV voltage level indicates its role in subtransmission or transmission, connecting generation sources to distribution networks. Barracks Road Substation contributes to grid stability and reliability in central Virginia, supporting residential, commercial, and industrial loads. Its location near Charlottesville places it within a growing region, where demand for electricity continues to rise. The facility's operational status and adherence to NERC standards ensure safe and reliable power delivery to the community.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in a mixed urban and suburban environment in Virginia, with proximity to residential areas and roadways. Electrical infrastructure at this voltage level typically requires cleared land and access roads, which can affect local habitats. However, substations have a relatively small footprint compared to generation plants. The facility's operation involves minimal direct emissions, but it supports the broader grid, which may include fossil fuel generation. Electromagnetic fields from high-voltage equipment are managed through standard siting and shielding practices.
Frequently asked questions
Barracks Road Substation is located in Virginia, United States, near the city of Charlottesville. Its coordinates are approximately 38.0716 N, -78.5305 W.
Barracks Road Substation operates at 230 kV (230,000 volts), which is a high-voltage level used for subtransmission and transmission in the U.S. electrical grid.
The substation is owned and operated by Virginia Electric and Power Company, a subsidiary of Dominion Energy, which serves millions of customers in Virginia and North Carolina.
As part of the U.S. bulk power system, the substation must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations. It is also subject to PJM Interconnection requirements for grid reliability and market participation.
A 230 kV substation typically steps down transmission voltage for distribution or interconnects transmission lines. It helps balance load, switch circuits, and protect the grid from faults, ensuring reliable power delivery to communities.