Overview
Cyprus Sierrita Substation is an operational electrical substation in Arizona, owned and operated by Tucson Electric Power. It operates at 138 kV, serving the regional grid.
Cyprus Sierrita Substation is an operational electrical substation located near Green Valley, Arizona, United States. Owned and operated by Tucson Electric Power, the facility plays a key role in the regional transmission network. With a voltage level of 138 kV, it is classified as a high-voltage substation, typical for distributing power from generation sources to local distribution systems. The substation operates under the regulatory framework of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), which set reliability standards for the bulk power system. As part of the Western Interconnection, it adheres to standards for voltage regulation, protection systems, and grid stability. The 138 kV voltage level is common for subtransmission, connecting larger transmission lines to distribution substations. Cyprus Sierrita Substation supports the electrical infrastructure of southern Arizona, an area with growing demand from mining, agriculture, and urban development. Its location near the Sierrita Mountains places it in a region with significant solar energy potential, and it may facilitate integration of renewable resources. The facility contributes to grid reliability for Tucson and surrounding communities.
Environmental context
Located in the Sonoran Desert near the Sierrita Mountains, the substation operates in an arid environment with high solar radiation and temperature extremes. The area supports mining operations and has growing solar energy development. The substation's design likely includes measures for dust mitigation and thermal management. Its role in the grid helps integrate renewable energy sources, supporting regional sustainability goals.
Frequently asked questions
Cyprus Sierrita Substation is located near Green Valley, Arizona, in the United States, at coordinates 31.881139, -111.098430.
Cyprus Sierrita Substation is owned and operated by Tucson Electric Power, a utility serving southern Arizona.
Cyprus Sierrita Substation operates at 138 kV, a common subtransmission voltage level in the United States.
Substations in the United States must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations, including requirements for protection systems, voltage control, and cybersecurity.
A 138 kV substation typically steps down voltage from high-voltage transmission lines to distribution levels, serving industrial, commercial, and residential customers. It also provides switching and protection functions.