Overview
Elm Substation is an operational electrical substation in Westfield, Massachusetts, owned and operated by City of Westfield Gas and Electric. It operates at 115 kV, serving as a key node in the local distribution grid.
Elm Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Westfield, Massachusetts, United States. Owned and operated by City of Westfield Gas and Electric, the facility steps down transmission-level voltage for local distribution. With a voltage of 115 kV, it is classified as a medium-voltage substation, typical for regional power distribution in the northeastern US. The substation operates under the regulatory framework of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), ensuring grid reliability and compliance with mandatory standards. As part of a municipal utility, it serves the Westfield community, supporting residential, commercial, and industrial loads. The facility's equipment likely includes circuit breakers, transformers, and switchgear conforming to IEEE and ANSI standards. Elm Substation plays a critical role in maintaining grid stability for Westfield and surrounding areas. Its location in a mixed urban-suburban environment underscores its importance for local energy reliability. Ongoing maintenance by the municipal utility helps ensure continued safe operation.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in Westfield, Massachusetts, a region with a temperate climate and seasonal weather extremes. The facility's design must accommodate snow loads, ice storms, and occasional hurricanes. Its urban-suburban setting requires careful management of electromagnetic fields and noise to minimize community impact. The substation's oil-filled equipment, such as transformers, necessitates spill containment measures to protect local waterways.
Frequently asked questions
Elm Substation is located in Westfield, Massachusetts, United States, at coordinates 42.127406, -72.744418.
Elm Substation operates at 115 kV, which is a medium-voltage level commonly used for subtransmission and distribution in the United States.
Elm Substation is owned and operated by the City of Westfield Gas and Electric, a municipal utility serving the Westfield area.
Elm Substation must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations for grid interconnection and operation, as well as state-level utility commission rules.
A 115 kV substation steps down transmission voltage to distribution levels, supplying power to local feeders for residential, commercial, and industrial customers.