Overview
Brownsville Substation is an operational electrical substation owned by PacifiCorp in Oregon, United States. It operates at 69 kV, serving as a key node in the regional transmission grid.
Brownsville Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Oregon, United States, and owned by PacifiCorp, a major utility in the Western US. The facility operates at a voltage of 69 kV, classifying it as a medium-voltage substation that plays a role in distributing electricity within the regional grid. As part of PacifiCorp's network, the substation is subject to North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) reliability standards and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) regulations for transmission-level assets. The 69 kV voltage level is typical for sub-transmission or distribution substations, which step down power from higher-voltage lines for local distribution. The substation's equipment likely includes circuit breakers, transformers, and switchgear compliant with IEEE standards. Located in a rural area of Oregon, the substation supports the electrical infrastructure for surrounding communities and agricultural operations. Its operational status ensures grid stability and reliability for the region, contributing to PacifiCorp's service area that spans multiple states. The facility's role in the power network underscores its importance in maintaining consistent electricity supply.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in a rural area of Oregon, where the surrounding landscape includes agricultural fields and natural habitats. The 69 kV voltage level indicates a moderate scale of electrical infrastructure, with potential environmental considerations such as electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure and land use for transmission corridors. The facility's operation aligns with regional grid stability requirements, and its rural location may reduce direct environmental impact compared to urban substations.
Frequently asked questions
Brownsville Substation is located in Oregon, United States, near the city of Brownsville. Its coordinates are approximately 44.3892° N, -123.0147° W.
Brownsville Substation is owned by PacifiCorp, a major utility serving the Western United States. The operator is also PacifiCorp, as indicated in the facility data.
Brownsville Substation operates at a voltage of 69 kV (69,000 volts), which is typical for sub-transmission or distribution substations in the United States.
As part of the US electrical grid, Brownsville Substation must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations. These ensure grid stability and safe operation of transmission assets.
A 69 kV substation typically steps down power from higher-voltage transmission lines (e.g., 115 kV or 230 kV) to lower voltages for local distribution. It serves as a critical node in the power grid, ensuring reliable electricity supply to nearby communities and industries.