Overview
Elihu Substation is an operational electrical substation in Kentucky, United States, owned by Kentucky Utilities Company. It operates at voltages of 161 kV, 69 kV, and 13.2 kV, serving as a key node in the regional transmission and distribution grid.
Elihu Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Kentucky, United States, owned and operated by Kentucky Utilities Company. The facility handles multiple voltage levels including 161 kV, 69 kV, and 13.2 kV, indicating its role in both transmission and distribution within the regional power grid. As part of the Kentucky Utilities network, it supports electricity delivery to residential, commercial, and industrial customers across the state. Operating under the regulatory oversight of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), Elihu Substation must comply with mandatory reliability standards. The substation's voltage levels suggest it is a medium-to-large facility, typical for interconnecting transmission lines and stepping down power for local distribution. Kentucky's electrical infrastructure is characterized by a mix of coal, natural gas, and renewable generation, with substations like this one ensuring grid stability and power quality. The substation's location in south-central Kentucky places it within a region that experiences seasonal weather variations, including thunderstorms and occasional winter storms, which can impact grid operations. Its role in the Kentucky Utilities system contributes to the reliable supply of electricity to communities and industries, supporting economic activity and daily life. The facility's operational status and integration into the broader transmission network underscore its importance to regional energy security.
Environmental context
The substation's location in a rural area of Kentucky means it is surrounded by mixed forest and agricultural land. The facility's electromagnetic fields and potential for minor vegetation management are typical environmental considerations for substations of this scale. Its operation supports the integration of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, which are increasingly part of Kentucky's energy mix, thereby contributing to reduced greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil fuel-only grids.
Frequently asked questions
Elihu Substation is located in Kentucky, United States, at coordinates 37.056789, -84.579134.
Elihu Substation is an electrical substation that transforms voltage levels between 161 kV, 69 kV, and 13.2 kV, facilitating the transmission and distribution of electricity within the Kentucky Utilities Company grid.
Elihu Substation is owned by Kentucky Utilities Company, a major electric utility serving customers in Kentucky and parts of Virginia.
As part of the US electrical grid, Elihu Substation must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations for transmission-level assets, ensuring grid stability and security.
Elihu Substation operates at three voltage levels: 161 kV (transmission), 69 kV (sub-transmission), and 13.2 kV (distribution), indicating its role in stepping down power for local use.