Overview
Big Pine Tap Station is a 138 kV electrical substation operated by West Penn Power in Pennsylvania, United States. It plays a role in regional grid stability and power distribution.
Big Pine Tap Station is a substation located in Pennsylvania, United States, operated by West Penn Power. The facility operates at a voltage of 138 kV, placing it within the sub-transmission or distribution voltage range typical for regional power distribution networks in the United States. The substation operates under the regulatory framework of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), which enforce reliability standards for the bulk power system. As a 138 kV facility, it is subject to NERC's Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) standards and may be classified as a medium-voltage asset within the regional grid. As an operational substation, Big Pine Tap Station contributes to the reliability of the local power grid in western Pennsylvania. Its role in stepping down or switching power supports the delivery of electricity to surrounding communities and industrial users, ensuring stable voltage levels and load management.
Environmental context
The substation is located in a rural area of Pennsylvania, where the surrounding landscape includes mixed forest and agricultural land. The facility's operation involves electromagnetic fields and potential minor impacts from maintenance activities, but it does not typically generate emissions. Its presence supports the integration of renewable energy sources and grid resilience in the region.
Frequently asked questions
Big Pine Tap Station is located in Pennsylvania, United States, near coordinates 40.713581, -79.540703.
Big Pine Tap Station operates at a voltage of 138 kV, which is typical for sub-transmission and distribution substations in the United States.
Big Pine Tap Station is operated by West Penn Power, a utility company serving parts of Pennsylvania.
As part of the US bulk power system, Big Pine Tap Station must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations, including Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) requirements.
A 138 kV substation typically steps down transmission-level voltage for distribution to local networks, or serves as a switching station to reroute power, enhancing grid reliability and flexibility.