Overview
CPL Moundville Substation is an operational electrical substation in Alabama, United States, owned by Colonial Pipeline Company. It operates at 115 kV, supporting regional grid stability.
CPL Moundville Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Alabama, United States. Owned by Colonial Pipeline Company, the facility operates at a voltage of 115 kV, classifying it as a medium-voltage substation within the U.S. electrical infrastructure. The substation plays a key role in the local power distribution network, serving the Moundville area and surrounding communities. As a substation operating under the U.S. regulatory framework, CPL Moundville Substation adheres to NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations for transmission-level assets. The 115 kV voltage level is typical for sub-transmission and distribution substations, which are critical for stepping down power from high-voltage transmission lines to lower voltages for local distribution. The facility's equipment likely includes circuit breakers, transformers, and switchgear designed to ensure safe and reliable power flow. The substation's operational significance lies in its contribution to grid stability and power delivery in the region. Owned by Colonial Pipeline Company, primarily known for pipeline operations, the substation may also support the company's industrial energy needs. Its location in Alabama places it within a region with a diverse energy mix, including natural gas, coal, and nuclear power, and the substation helps integrate these sources into the local grid.
Environmental context
The substation is located in a rural area near Moundville, Alabama, characterized by forested land and agricultural fields. The 115 kV voltage level indicates a moderate environmental footprint, with typical impacts limited to land use for the substation footprint and potential electromagnetic fields. regulations require adherence to environmental guidelines for substation operations, including oil containment for transformers and wildlife protection measures.
Frequently asked questions
CPL Moundville Substation is located in Alabama, United States, near the town of Moundville. Its approximate coordinates are 32.9776 N, -87.6548 W.
CPL Moundville Substation operates at a voltage of 115 kV (115,000 volts), which is a common voltage for sub-transmission and distribution substations in the United States.
The substation is owned by Colonial Pipeline Company, a major operator of refined petroleum pipelines in the United States.
In the United States, substations must comply with NERC reliability standards for grid stability and FERC regulations for transmission-level assets. Additionally, equipment such as switchgear often follows IEEE standards.
A 115 kV substation typically steps down voltage from higher transmission levels (e.g., 230 kV or 500 kV) to lower distribution levels (e.g., 34.5 kV or 12.47 kV) for local power delivery. It also provides switching and protection functions to maintain grid reliability.