Overview
Copper Mountain Substation is a 500 kV electrical substation operated by the Western Area Power Administration in the United States. It plays a critical role in high-voltage transmission grid stability.
Copper Mountain Substation is a high-voltage electrical substation located in the United States, operated by the Western Area Power Administration (WAPA). The facility operates at 500 kV, placing it in the large-scale transmission category, essential for long-distance power transfer and grid interconnection. The substation operates under the regulatory framework of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), ensuring compliance with reliability standards for bulk power systems. As a 500 kV facility, it is a key node in the Western Interconnection, supporting the integration of renewable energy sources and maintaining grid stability across the region. Copper Mountain Substation's environmental context involves its role in transmitting power from generation sources to load centers, potentially traversing diverse landscapes. Its high voltage level indicates criticality to regional grid stability, and its location in the southwestern US suggests exposure to extreme weather and wildfire risks, which are managed through robust infrastructure design and operational protocols.
Environmental context
The substation's 500 kV voltage level indicates its critical role in the regional transmission grid, supporting long-distance power transfer and grid stability. Its location in the southwestern United States exposes it to extreme heat, drought, and wildfire risks, which are managed through vegetation clearance, fire-resistant equipment, and operational protocols. The facility's design and maintenance align with NERC reliability standards to ensure resilience against environmental stressors.
Frequently asked questions
Copper Mountain Substation is located in the United States, with coordinates approximately 35.884720 N, -114.958203 W. It is operated by the Western Area Power Administration.
Copper Mountain Substation operates at 500 kV, which is a high-voltage level used for bulk power transmission over long distances.
The substation is operated by the Western Area Power Administration (WAPA), a federal agency responsible for marketing and transmitting hydroelectric power in the western United States.
As part of the US bulk power system, the substation must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations, ensuring grid stability and security.
A 500 kV substation serves as a critical node in the transmission network, stepping up or down voltage for efficient long-distance power transfer and interconnecting different parts of the grid.