Overview
Cranes Corner Substation is an operational electrical substation in Virginia, United States, owned by Virginia Electric and Power Company. It operates at voltages of 230 kV and 34.5 kV, serving the regional grid.
Cranes Corner Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Virginia, United States. Owned and operated by Virginia Electric and Power Company, a subsidiary of Dominion Energy, the facility is a key node in the state's transmission and distribution network. The substation handles voltages of 230 kV and 34.5 kV, indicating its role in both high-voltage transmission and lower-voltage distribution. As part of the U.S. electrical infrastructure, Cranes Corner Substation operates under the regulatory oversight of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and must comply with North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) reliability standards. The facility's dual voltage levels suggest it serves as a step-down point, connecting the bulk transmission system to local distribution networks. Substations of this type typically include switchgear, transformers, and protection systems that adhere to IEEE and ISO/IEC 61850 standards for automation and communication. The substation's location in Virginia places it within the PJM Interconnection, the regional transmission organization that coordinates the movement of electricity across 13 states and the District of Columbia. Its operational status ensures continued reliability for the surrounding area, supporting residential, commercial, and industrial customers. The facility's integration into the broader grid underscores its importance in maintaining voltage stability and power flow in the region.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in a region with a mix of urban and rural areas, typical of Virginia's landscape. Electrical infrastructure like Cranes Corner Substation is designed to minimize environmental impact through careful siting and use of insulating materials. The facility's voltage levels and equipment age are factors in its environmental footprint, with modern switchgear often using SF6 gas, a potent greenhouse gas, though regulations aim to reduce leaks. The substation's role in grid stability also supports the integration of renewable energy sources, contributing to broader environmental goals.
Frequently asked questions
Cranes Corner Substation is located in Virginia, United States, at coordinates 38.353584, -77.455848.
Cranes Corner Substation operates at 230 kV and 34.5 kV, serving both transmission and distribution functions.
Cranes Corner Substation is owned by Virginia Electric and Power Company, a subsidiary of Dominion Energy.
Substations in the United States must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations, as well as IEEE and ISO/IEC 61850 standards for automation.
Cranes Corner Substation steps down high-voltage transmission power to lower voltages for local distribution, ensuring reliable electricity supply to the surrounding area.