Overview
Central Maine Power is an operational electrical substation located in Maine, United States, operating at 34.5 kV. It plays a key role in the regional grid.
Central Maine Power is an operational electrical substation located in Maine, United States. The facility operates at a voltage of 34.5 kV, placing it in the medium-voltage range typical for distribution-level substations. As part of the Central Maine Power network, it supports electricity distribution across the region. The substation operates under the regulatory framework of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), which set reliability standards for the bulk power system. In Maine, the facility is subject to state-level utility regulation and must comply with grid interconnection requirements. The 34.5 kV voltage level is common for sub-transmission or distribution substations that serve local communities and industrial areas. This substation contributes to the stability and reliability of the local electrical grid, serving residential, commercial, and industrial customers in the surrounding area. Its location in central Maine places it within a region that experiences cold winters, requiring robust infrastructure to maintain service during peak demand periods. The facility's operational status ensures continued support for the regional power distribution network.
Environmental context
The substation is located in a rural area of Maine, characterized by forests and low population density. The region's cold climate and seasonal demand peaks place stress on electrical infrastructure, requiring reliable operation. The facility's voltage level and location suggest it serves local distribution needs, with minimal direct environmental impact beyond land use and electromagnetic fields.
Frequently asked questions
Central Maine Power substation is located in the state of Maine, United States, at coordinates 44.452653, -69.715165.
Central Maine Power substation operates at a voltage of 34.5 kV, which is typical for distribution-level substations.
Electrical substations in the United States are regulated by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), along with state public utility commissions.
A 34.5 kV substation typically steps down transmission voltage for local distribution, serving residential, commercial, and industrial customers.
Substation automation often follows the IEC 61850 standard, which defines communication protocols for intelligent electronic devices within substations.