Overview
Blairsville East Substation is an operational electrical substation in Pennsylvania, United States, operated by Penelec. It handles voltages of 138 kV, 115 kV, and 23 kV, serving the local grid.
Blairsville East Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Pennsylvania, United States. Operated by Penelec, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy, this facility plays a key role in the regional transmission and distribution network. The substation handles multiple voltage levels, including 138 kV, 115 kV, and 23 kV, indicating its function in stepping down high-voltage transmission power for local distribution. As part of the U.S. electrical infrastructure, this substation operates under the regulatory framework of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). These standards ensure grid reliability and security. The substation's voltage levels suggest it is a medium-to-large facility, typical for serving a mix of industrial, commercial, and residential loads in the region. The substation's location in Pennsylvania places it within the PJM Interconnection, one of the largest regional transmission organizations in the U.S. This context highlights its importance in maintaining grid stability and supporting the local economy. The facility's operational status and ownership by a major utility underscore its role in delivering reliable electricity to the surrounding area.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in a rural area of Pennsylvania, near the town of Blairsville. The surrounding landscape is characterized by rolling hills and mixed forest, typical of the Appalachian region. Electrical infrastructure in such settings must consider environmental factors like stormwater runoff and wildlife interactions. The substation's design likely includes measures to minimize ecological impact, such as oil containment systems for transformers and vegetation management to prevent outages.
Frequently asked questions
Blairsville East Substation is located in Pennsylvania, United States, near the town of Blairsville. Its coordinates are approximately 40.44° N, -79.25° W.
Blairsville East Substation handles multiple voltage levels: 138 kV, 115 kV, and 23 kV. These voltages indicate its role in both transmission and distribution.
Blairsville East Substation is operated by Penelec, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp. Penelec provides electricity to customers in Pennsylvania.
As part of the U.S. electrical grid, Blairsville East Substation must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations. It also operates within the PJM Interconnection, which sets market and operational rules.
Substations like Blairsville East are critical for stepping down high-voltage electricity from transmission lines to lower voltages for local distribution. They also provide switching, protection, and monitoring functions to ensure grid stability.