Overview
Four Mile Junction Substation is an operational electrical substation in Pennsylvania, United States, owned and operated by Penelec. It handles voltages of 230 kV and 115 kV, serving as a key node in the regional transmission grid.
Four Mile Junction Substation is an electrical substation located in Pennsylvania, United States, owned and operated by Penelec. As a junction substation, it plays a critical role in the regional power grid by interconnecting transmission lines at 230 kV and 115 kV voltage levels, facilitating the reliable distribution of electricity across the area. The substation operates under the regulatory oversight of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and adheres to North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) reliability standards. Its dual-voltage configuration (230 kV and 115 kV) indicates its function as a step-down or interconnection point between high-voltage transmission and sub-transmission networks, typical of substations serving both industrial and residential loads. Located in Erie County, the substation supports the local electrical infrastructure in a region with a mix of urban, suburban, and rural areas. Its operational status ensures grid stability for communities and industries in northwestern Pennsylvania, contributing to the overall resilience of the PJM Interconnection, the regional transmission organization that coordinates the movement of wholesale electricity.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in a temperate climate zone with seasonal weather variations, including snow and ice storms that can impact overhead transmission lines. Its location in a mixed urban-rural area means it must balance reliability for residential customers with potential environmental considerations such as land use and electromagnetic field management. The facility's design and maintenance practices likely incorporate standard measures to minimize ecological disruption, such as vegetation management and oil containment for transformers.
Frequently asked questions
Four Mile Junction Substation is located in Pennsylvania, United States, near coordinates 42.1036 N, -79.9843 W, in Erie County.
The substation operates at 230,000 volts (230 kV) and 115,000 volts (115 kV), serving as a junction between high-voltage transmission and sub-transmission networks.
The substation is owned and operated by Penelec, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp., which provides electricity to customers in Pennsylvania.
Substations in the United States must comply with NERC reliability standards for grid stability and FERC regulations for interstate transmission. They also follow IEEE and ISO/IEC 61850 standards for automation and protection.
A junction substation interconnects multiple transmission lines, allowing power flow between different voltage levels or routes. It enhances grid flexibility and reliability by enabling rerouting of electricity during outages or maintenance.