Overview
Beacon Substation is an operational electrical substation in Spokane, Washington, owned and operated by Avista. It operates at 230 kV and 115 kV, serving the regional power grid.
Beacon Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Spokane, Washington, United States. Owned and operated by Avista, the facility plays a key role in the regional transmission and distribution network, handling voltages of 230 kV and 115 kV. As a substation in the Pacific Northwest, Beacon Substation operates under the regulatory framework of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). The facility is part of Avista's infrastructure, which serves over 400,000 electric customers in Washington and Idaho. Substations like Beacon are critical for voltage transformation and grid stability, connecting high-voltage transmission lines to lower-voltage distribution networks. The substation's location in Spokane places it within a growing urban area with a mix of residential, commercial, and industrial demand. Its dual-voltage capability (230 kV and 115 kV) allows it to support both long-distance transmission and local distribution, enhancing grid reliability for the surrounding community. Avista's ongoing investments in grid modernization help maintain operational efficiency and resilience.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in Spokane, Washington, a region with a semi-arid climate and significant seasonal temperature variations. Electrical infrastructure in this area must withstand winter snow and ice loads, as well as summer heat waves that can increase demand. The facility's urban location means it is subject to local land-use regulations and community noise considerations. Avista's operations are guided by environmental stewardship practices, including vegetation management and wildlife protection measures typical of utility operations in the Pacific Northwest.
Frequently asked questions
Beacon Substation is located in Spokane, Washington, United States, at coordinates 47.679745, -117.344863.
Beacon Substation operates at two voltage levels: 230 kV and 115 kV, making it a key node for both transmission and distribution.
Beacon Substation is owned and operated by Avista, a utility company serving customers in Washington and Idaho.
Substations in the United States must comply with NERC reliability standards for grid stability and FERC regulations for transmission-level assets. Facilities like Beacon also adhere to local utility commission requirements.
Substations transform voltage levels between high-voltage transmission lines and lower-voltage distribution networks, enabling efficient power delivery and grid stability. They also provide switching, protection, and monitoring functions.