Overview
Chimacum Substation is an operational 115 kV substation in Jefferson County, Washington, owned and operated by Jefferson County PUD, serving the local electrical grid.
Chimacum Substation is a 115 kV electrical substation located in Jefferson County, Washington, United States. Owned and operated by Jefferson County Public Utility District (PUD), the facility plays a key role in the regional power distribution network, stepping down transmission voltage for local consumption. The substation operates at 115 kV, a common voltage level for subtransmission and distribution in the United States. As part of the Jefferson County PUD system, it is subject to North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) reliability standards and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) regulations for grid stability and safety. The facility's equipment likely includes circuit breakers, transformers, and switchgear typical of medium-scale substations. Located in a rural area of the Olympic Peninsula, Chimacum Substation supports the electrical needs of the surrounding community, including residential, agricultural, and commercial customers. Its operation is critical for maintaining reliable power supply in a region prone to weather-related outages, contributing to the resilience of the local grid.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in a rural, forested area of the Olympic Peninsula, where the local environment includes mixed coniferous forests and proximity to the Olympic National Park. The facility's operation involves managing electromagnetic fields and potential oil spill risks from transformers, though standard containment measures are in place. The surrounding ecosystem benefits from the substation's role in supporting clean energy integration, as Jefferson County PUD emphasizes renewable sources.
Frequently asked questions
Chimacum Substation is located in Jefferson County, Washington, United States, near the community of Chimacum on the Olympic Peninsula.
Chimacum Substation operates at 115 kV, a standard voltage for subtransmission and distribution in the US electrical grid.
Chimacum Substation is owned and operated by Jefferson County Public Utility District (PUD), a public utility serving the county.
Substations in the US must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations, ensuring grid stability and safety. Equipment often follows IEEE and ISO/IEC 61850 standards for automation.
A 115 kV substation steps down transmission voltage for distribution to local networks, serving as a critical node for reliable electricity delivery to communities and industries.