Overview
Benewah Substation is an operational electrical substation in the United States, owned and operated by Avista. It handles voltages of 230 kV and 115 kV, serving the regional power grid.
Benewah Substation is an operational electrical substation located in the United States, owned and operated by Avista. The facility operates at voltage levels of 230 kV and 115 kV, classifying it as a high-voltage substation critical for transmission and distribution of electricity across the region. The substation's technical specifications include dual voltage levels of 230,000 volts and 115,000 volts, which are typical for transmission-level infrastructure in the United States. As part of Avista's network, it likely adheres to North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) reliability standards and is subject to Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) regulation for interstate power transmission. Benewah Substation plays a key role in maintaining grid stability and reliability for the surrounding area. Its operational status ensures continued power delivery to residential, commercial, and industrial customers. The facility's location in the Pacific Northwest aligns with the region's hydroelectric-heavy generation mix, supporting the integration of renewable energy sources into the grid.
Environmental context
The substation is located in a rural area of the Pacific Northwest, a region characterized by abundant hydropower resources and a growing share of wind and solar generation. High-voltage substations like Benewah are essential for transmitting electricity from remote generation sites to load centers, reducing transmission losses and supporting grid resilience. The facility's operation contributes to the efficient use of renewable energy, though it may involve minor environmental impacts from electromagnetic fields and land use.
Frequently asked questions
Benewah Substation is located in the United States, with coordinates approximately 47.3465° N, 117.0324° W. It is owned and operated by Avista.
Benewah Substation operates at two voltage levels: 230,000 volts (230 kV) and 115,000 volts (115 kV), which are typical for transmission substations in the US.
Benewah Substation is owned and operated by Avista, a utility company serving the Pacific Northwest region of the United States.
As a US transmission asset, Benewah Substation must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations for interstate power transmission, ensuring grid stability and security.
Substations like Benewah are critical for stepping voltage levels up or down, enabling efficient long-distance transmission and local distribution. They also provide switching, protection, and monitoring functions to maintain grid reliability.