Overview
GE Alachua Substation CoA is an operational 138 kV substation in Alachua, Florida, owned and operated by Gainesville Regional Utilities and the City of Alachua.
GE Alachua Substation CoA is a 138 kV electrical substation located in Alachua, Florida, United States. The facility is jointly owned and operated by Gainesville Regional Utilities and the City of Alachua, serving as a key node in the local power distribution network. As a substation operating at 138 kV, it falls within the sub-transmission voltage range typical for regional power distribution in the United States. The substation operates under the regulatory framework of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), which set reliability standards for the bulk power system. In Florida, the facility also complies with state-level regulations from the Florida Public Service Commission. The 138 kV voltage level is commonly used for distributing power from transmission lines to local distribution networks, and this substation likely includes switchgear, transformers, and protection systems conforming to IEEE and IEC standards. The substation plays a critical role in maintaining grid stability for the Alachua area, supporting residential, commercial, and industrial loads. Its location in north-central Florida places it within a region that experiences seasonal weather challenges, including hurricanes, which necessitate robust infrastructure and emergency response planning. The facility contributes to the reliability of the local electrical grid, serving the community of Alachua and surrounding areas.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in Alachua, Florida, a region characterized by a humid subtropical climate with frequent thunderstorms and hurricane risks. The 138 kV voltage level indicates a medium-scale facility that supports local distribution. Its urban-rural interface location means it must balance operational reliability with environmental considerations such as stormwater management and wildlife protection. Typical substations in this region incorporate oil containment and fire suppression systems to mitigate environmental impacts.
Frequently asked questions
GE Alachua Substation CoA is located in Alachua, Florida, United States, at coordinates 29.773811, -82.455300.
The substation operates at 138 kV, which is a common sub-transmission voltage level used for distributing power from high-voltage transmission lines to local distribution networks.
The substation is jointly owned and operated by Gainesville Regional Utilities and the City of Alachua.
As part of the U.S. bulk power system, the substation must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations. It also adheres to state-level rules from the Florida Public Service Commission.
A 138 kV substation typically steps down transmission-level voltage for distribution to local networks, serving residential, commercial, and industrial customers. It also provides switching and protection functions to maintain grid stability.