Overview
Big Island Substation is an operational electrical substation in Ohio, United States, owned and operated by Ohio Edison. It handles multiple voltage levels including 34.5 kV, 12.47 kV, and 4.16 kV.
Big Island Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Ohio, United States. Owned and operated by Ohio Edison, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy, the facility plays a key role in the regional power distribution network. The substation handles voltage levels of 34.5 kV, 12.47 kV, and 4.16 kV, indicating its function in stepping down transmission-level power for local distribution. As part of the U.S. electrical infrastructure, Big Island Substation operates under the regulatory framework of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and adheres to reliability standards set by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC). The facility is situated in a region served by the PJM Interconnection, one of the largest regional transmission organizations in the world, which coordinates the movement of wholesale electricity across multiple states. The substation's location in Ohio places it within a state with a diverse industrial and residential energy demand. By transforming high-voltage electricity to lower voltages suitable for end-users, Big Island Substation supports grid stability and reliability for the surrounding communities. Its operational status ensures continued service to the local power grid.
Environmental context
The substation is located in a rural area of Ohio, near the shores of Lake Erie. The region experiences a humid continental climate with cold winters and warm summers, which can affect equipment performance and maintenance schedules. The facility's voltage levels and equipment age are typical for a distribution substation serving a mix of residential and agricultural loads. Environmental considerations include proper management of insulating oils and SF6 gas to prevent leaks, as well as compliance with local electromagnetic field regulations.
Frequently asked questions
Big Island Substation is located in Ohio, United States, near the southern shore of Lake Erie. Its approximate coordinates are 41.451255 N, -82.684899 W.
Big Island Substation handles multiple voltage levels: 34.5 kV, 12.47 kV, and 4.16 kV. These voltages indicate it serves as a distribution substation stepping down transmission-level power for local use.
Big Island Substation is owned and operated by Ohio Edison, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corporation, which provides electric service to customers in Ohio and Pennsylvania.
Substations in the United States are regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for interstate transmission and must comply with reliability standards set by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC). State public utility commissions also oversee local distribution.
Substations like Big Island transform voltage levels to facilitate efficient power transmission and distribution. They also provide switching, protection, and monitoring capabilities to ensure grid stability and reliability for residential, commercial, and industrial customers.