Cascade Valley Substation - 115 kV Electrical Substation in Grant County, Washington

Cascade Valley Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Grant County, Washington, United States. It is owned and operated by Grant County Public Utility District, a public utility serving the region. The substation operates at a voltage of 115 kV, classifying it as a medium-voltage facility within the transmission and distribution network. As a 115 kV substation, Cascade Valley Substation plays a role in stepping down power from higher transmission voltages for local distribution. In the United States, substations of this scale are subject to NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations, ensuring grid stability and compliance with interconnection requirements. The facility's equipment likely includes circuit breakers, transformers, and switchgear typical of medium-voltage substations. The substation is situated in a rural area of central Washington, a region known for its agricultural and renewable energy resources, including hydroelectric power from the Columbia River. Its operation supports local electricity distribution and contributes to the resilience of the regional grid. The facility's public utility ownership underscores its role in providing reliable power to the community.

Located in a semi-arid region of central Washington, the substation's environmental context includes proximity to agricultural lands and the Columbia River basin. The 115 kV voltage level indicates a medium-scale facility that integrates into the local grid, supporting both rural and urban loads. The area's climate, with hot summers and cold winters, influences equipment design and maintenance schedules to ensure reliable operation.