Overview
Bloomsburg Substation is an operational electrical substation in Pennsylvania, United States, owned and operated by PPL. It operates at 69 kV, serving as a key node in the regional transmission grid.
Bloomsburg Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Pennsylvania, United States. Owned and operated by PPL, the facility operates at a voltage of 69 kV, placing it within the sub-transmission or distribution voltage range typical for regional power distribution. The substation plays a role in stepping down higher transmission voltages for local distribution or interconnecting local generation. As part of the U.S. electrical infrastructure, Bloomsburg Substation operates under the regulatory framework of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). These bodies enforce reliability standards for the bulk power system, including substation automation and protection systems. The 69 kV voltage level is common for sub-transmission networks that serve industrial and residential loads in rural and suburban areas. The substation's location in central Pennsylvania places it within the PJM Interconnection, the regional transmission organization (RTO) that coordinates the movement of wholesale electricity. Bloomsburg Substation contributes to grid stability and reliability for the surrounding community, supporting local power distribution and potential integration of distributed energy resources.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in a rural area of central Pennsylvania, characterized by rolling hills and agricultural land. The 69 kV voltage level indicates a sub-transmission facility that typically has a smaller physical footprint and lower electromagnetic field exposure compared to high-voltage transmission lines. The site's environmental impact is generally limited to land use for the substation yard and access roads, with minimal effects on local wildlife or water resources.
Frequently asked questions
Bloomsburg Substation is located in Pennsylvania, United States, near the town of Bloomsburg. Its approximate coordinates are 41.009° N, -76.464° W.
Bloomsburg Substation operates at 69 kV (69,000 volts), which is a common voltage for sub-transmission and distribution substations in the United States.
Bloomsburg Substation is owned and operated by PPL Corporation, a major utility company serving Pennsylvania and other regions.
In the United States, substations are subject to NERC reliability standards for grid stability and FERC regulations for interstate electricity transmission. Additionally, substations often comply with IEEE and ISO/IEC 61850 standards for automation and communication.
A 69 kV substation typically serves as a sub-transmission node, stepping down higher voltages (e.g., 138 kV or 230 kV) for local distribution or interconnecting smaller generators. It helps maintain voltage stability and reliability for the surrounding area.