Overview
Defense Highway Substation is an operational electrical substation in the United States, owned and operated by Baltimore Gas and Electric. It plays a key role in local grid stability and power distribution.
Defense Highway Substation is an operational electrical substation located in the United States, owned and operated by Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE), a major utility serving central Maryland. As a substation, it forms a critical node in the regional transmission and distribution network, stepping voltage levels to facilitate efficient power delivery to residential, commercial, and industrial customers. The facility operates under the regulatory oversight of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and must comply with North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) reliability standards, ensuring grid stability and security. While specific voltage levels are not detailed, typical substations in this region operate at transmission voltages of 69 kV to 230 kV or higher, depending on their role in the grid. The substation's location near major transportation corridors supports reliable service to the surrounding area. As part of BGE's infrastructure, Defense Highway Substation contributes to the resilience of the mid-Atlantic power grid, serving a densely populated region with significant energy demand. Its operational status ensures continued support for local communities and businesses, underpinning economic activity and daily life. The substation's integration into the broader ENTSO-E interconnected system (via ties to neighboring grids) highlights its regional significance.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in a suburban area near major highways, with proximity to urban development and natural habitats. Its operation involves electromagnetic fields and potential impacts on local wildlife, though modern substations are designed to minimize ecological disruption. The facility's location in a temperate climate zone with seasonal storms necessitates robust infrastructure to withstand weather-related stresses, ensuring continuous power supply.
Frequently asked questions
Defense Highway Substation is located in the United States, with coordinates approximately 38.9571 N, -76.8222 W. It is operated by Baltimore Gas and Electric.
Defense Highway Substation is an electrical substation that transforms voltage levels and routes electricity within the power grid, ensuring reliable distribution to customers in the Baltimore area.
The substation is owned and operated by Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE), a regulated utility serving central Maryland.
Substations in the US must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations, covering grid stability, cybersecurity, and maintenance practices.
As part of BGE's network, the substation helps balance load, manage voltage, and provide redundancy, enhancing the resilience of the regional power system.