Overview
Dougherty County Solar Substation is an operational substation in Georgia, United States, owned and operated by Georgia Power. It operates at 115 kV, supporting solar energy integration into the regional grid.
Dougherty County Solar Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Dougherty County, Georgia, United States. Owned and operated by Georgia Power, a major utility in the Southeast, this facility plays a key role in connecting solar generation to the transmission grid. The substation operates at a voltage of 115 kV, which is typical for distribution-level interconnection of renewable energy sources. Operating under the regulatory framework of the U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), the substation adheres to mandatory reliability standards. Georgia Power, as part of the Southern Company system, complies with NERC's Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) standards and FERC's Order 1000 for transmission planning. The 115 kV voltage level places it within the sub-transmission category, often used for regional power distribution and renewable integration. The substation's primary significance lies in its role as a point of interconnection for solar energy, contributing to Georgia's growing renewable energy portfolio. By stepping up voltage from solar farms to transmission levels, it facilitates the delivery of clean energy to consumers. Its location in southwestern Georgia supports the state's goal of expanding renewable capacity while maintaining grid reliability.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in a rural area of southwestern Georgia, characterized by agricultural land and a humid subtropical climate. The region's solar resource is favorable for photovoltaic generation, and the substation's 115 kV voltage level is well-suited for connecting utility-scale solar farms. The facility's operation supports the displacement of fossil fuel generation, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and contributing to local air quality improvements. Its location away from densely populated areas minimizes visual and noise impacts on communities.
Frequently asked questions
Dougherty County Solar Substation is located in Dougherty County, Georgia, United States, at latitude 31.509796 and longitude -84.052435.
The substation operates at a voltage of 115 kV, which is typical for sub-transmission and distribution-level interconnections.
The substation is owned and operated by Georgia Power, a subsidiary of Southern Company and a major electric utility in the southeastern United States.
As part of the U.S. bulk power system, the substation must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations, including Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) standards.
Solar substations interconnect solar farms to the transmission grid, stepping up voltage from generation levels to transmission levels for efficient long-distance power delivery.