Overview
County Road Substation is an operational electrical substation in Maine, United States, owned and operated by Central Maine Power Company. It operates at a voltage of 115 kV, serving as a key node in the regional transmission grid.
County Road Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Maine, United States. Owned and operated by Central Maine Power Company, the facility operates at a voltage of 115 kV, classifying it as a medium-voltage substation within the regional transmission network. The substation plays a role in stepping down transmission voltages for local distribution or interconnecting generation sources. As part of the U.S. electrical infrastructure, the substation operates under the regulatory framework of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). These bodies enforce reliability standards and oversee interstate electricity transmission. The facility's 115 kV voltage level is typical for sub-transmission and distribution substations, which are critical for maintaining grid stability in rural and suburban areas of Maine. The substation's location in central Maine places it within a region characterized by a mix of residential, commercial, and industrial loads, as well as proximity to renewable energy resources such as hydroelectric and wind power. Its operational status ensures reliable electricity supply to the surrounding communities, supporting local economic activity and grid resilience.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in a rural area of Maine, where the surrounding landscape includes forests and agricultural land. The facility's 115 kV voltage level indicates it is part of the sub-transmission network, which can have localized environmental impacts during construction or maintenance, such as vegetation clearing. However, substations generally have a small footprint and are designed to minimize electromagnetic field exposure. The region's cold climate may require robust insulation and heating systems for equipment reliability.
Frequently asked questions
County Road Substation is located in Maine, United States, at coordinates 44.573408, -69.677011. It is owned and operated by Central Maine Power Company.
County Road Substation operates at a voltage of 115 kV, which is typical for sub-transmission and distribution substations in the United States.
County Road Substation is operated by Central Maine Power Company, a major electric utility serving central and southern Maine.
Substations in the United States must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations for transmission-level assets. These standards cover equipment maintenance, cybersecurity, and grid stability.
A 115 kV substation typically steps down transmission voltages for local distribution or interconnects generation sources. It is critical for maintaining reliable electricity supply to residential, commercial, and industrial customers.