Overview
Grand Coulee 230 kV Switchyard is a substation in Washington State, USA, operated by the Bonneville Power Administration. It plays a key role in transmitting power from the Grand Coulee Dam to the regional grid.
Grand Coulee 230 kV Switchyard is a high-voltage electrical substation located in Washington State, United States. Operated by the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), it serves as a critical node in the Pacific Northwest's transmission network, handling power from the nearby Grand Coulee Dam. The facility operates at 230 kV, a standard voltage level for regional bulk power transmission. The substation is part of BPA's extensive transmission system, which is regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and adheres to North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) reliability standards. As a 230 kV facility, it falls within the medium-to-high voltage range typical for sub-transmission and distribution interconnections. The switchyard likely employs air-insulated or gas-insulated switchgear, common for this voltage class, and is designed to ensure grid stability and power flow management. Environmentally, the switchyard is situated in a semi-arid region near the Columbia River, an area with significant hydroelectric generation. Its operation supports the integration of renewable energy sources and provides essential grid services to communities across the Pacific Northwest. The facility's strategic location enhances regional energy security and facilitates the efficient distribution of electricity to urban and rural areas alike.
Environmental context
The switchyard is located in a semi-arid region of eastern Washington, near the Columbia River. The area's climate features hot summers and cold winters, with low annual precipitation. The facility's operation supports the transmission of hydroelectric power from Grand Coulee Dam, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Its presence in a rural setting minimizes direct impact on dense populations, but the infrastructure is designed to withstand local environmental conditions, including temperature extremes and occasional wildfires.
Frequently asked questions
Grand Coulee 230 kV Switchyard is located in Washington State, United States, near the Grand Coulee Dam on the Columbia River.
The substation operates at 230 kV (230,000 volts), which is a standard voltage for high-voltage transmission in the United States.
The switchyard is operated by the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), a federal agency that manages power transmission in the Pacific Northwest.
As part of the US electrical grid, the substation must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations for transmission assets.
It serves as a key interconnection point for power from Grand Coulee Dam, helping to distribute electricity to the regional transmission network.