Overview
Gainesville Substation is an operational electrical substation in the United States, handling voltages of 230 kV, 115 kV, and 35 kV, serving the Gainesville area.
Gainesville Substation is an operational electrical substation located in the United States, specifically in the Gainesville area of Virginia. The facility handles multiple voltage levels including 230 kV, 115 kV, and 35 kV, indicating its role in both transmission and distribution within the regional power grid. As a substation operating under the jurisdiction of the United States, it is subject to NERC reliability standards and FERC regulation for transmission-level assets. The 230 kV voltage level classifies it as a high-voltage transmission substation, critical for grid stability and power transfer across the region. The presence of lower voltages (115 kV and 35 kV) suggests it also serves local distribution needs. The substation's location in Virginia places it within the PJM Interconnection, one of the largest regional transmission organizations in the US. Its operational status and voltage diversity make it a key node for maintaining reliable electricity supply to residential, commercial, and industrial customers in the Gainesville area and surrounding communities.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in a suburban area of Virginia, where land use is a mix of residential and commercial developments. Its operation involves electromagnetic fields and potential oil leakage from transformers, which are managed under environmental regulations. The facility's proximity to populated areas requires careful planning to minimize visual and noise impacts, while its role in the grid supports energy efficiency by reducing transmission losses through voltage transformation.
Frequently asked questions
Gainesville Substation is located in the United States, specifically in the Gainesville area of Virginia, with coordinates approximately 38.79° N, 77.57° W.
Gainesville Substation handles multiple voltage levels: 230 kV (high-voltage transmission), 115 kV (sub-transmission), and 35 kV (distribution).
It is likely operated by a local utility or transmission company within the PJM Interconnection region.
As a US substation, Gainesville Substation must comply with NERC reliability standards for grid stability and FERC regulations for transmission assets. It also follows IEEE and ISO/IEC 61850 standards for substation automation.
Gainesville Substation serves as a key node in the regional power grid, stepping down high-voltage transmission power (230 kV) to lower voltages for local distribution, ensuring reliable electricity supply to the Gainesville area.