Overview
Benton Substation is an operational electrical substation in the United States, owned and operated by the Bonneville Power Administration. It operates at 115 kV, serving the regional grid.
Benton Substation is an operational electrical substation located in the United States, specifically in the state of Washington. Owned and operated by the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), this facility is part of the federal power marketing administration's extensive transmission network. The substation operates at a voltage of 115 kV, which classifies it as a medium-voltage substation within the broader electrical infrastructure. As a BPA facility, Benton Substation operates under the regulatory framework of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and adheres to North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) reliability standards. These standards ensure the stability and security of the bulk power system. The 115 kV voltage level is typical for subtransmission and distribution substations, serving to step down power from higher voltage transmission lines for local distribution. The substation plays a critical role in the regional grid by facilitating the reliable delivery of electricity from BPA's hydroelectric generation sources to local utilities and end-users. Its location in the Pacific Northwest supports the integration of renewable energy resources and contributes to the region's energy resilience. The operational status of the substation ensures continued service to the surrounding communities and industries.
Environmental context
The Benton Substation is situated in the arid region of central Washington, characterized by semi-desert conditions and agricultural land use. The substation's operation supports the transmission of hydroelectric power from the Columbia River system, which provides low-carbon electricity to the region. The facility's design and maintenance consider local environmental factors such as temperature extremes and seismic activity, ensuring grid stability in this geographically diverse area.
Frequently asked questions
Benton Substation is located in the United States, specifically in the state of Washington, near the coordinates 46.458302, -119.272967.
Benton Substation operates at a voltage of 115 kV, which is a common voltage for subtransmission and distribution substations.
Benton Substation is owned and operated by the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), a federal power marketing administration in the United States.
As part of the US electrical grid, Benton Substation must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations to ensure grid stability and security.
A 115 kV substation typically steps down transmission-level voltage for local distribution, serving as a critical node in the electrical grid to deliver power to communities and industries.