Overview
Grass Valley Substation is an operational electrical substation owned by NV Energy in Nevada, United States. It operates at 115 kV, serving as a key node in the regional power grid.
Grass Valley Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Nevada, United States. Owned by NV Energy, the facility plays a role in the state's electrical infrastructure, which is part of the Western Interconnection grid. The substation's voltage level of 115 kV places it in the medium-to-high voltage range, typical for distribution and sub-transmission networks that connect local communities to larger transmission systems. Operating under the regulatory oversight of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), the substation adheres to reliability standards that ensure grid stability. NV Energy, the owner, is a major utility in Nevada, serving over a million customers. The substation's equipment likely includes circuit breakers, transformers, and switchgear designed to manage power flow and protect the grid. The substation's location in a rural area of Nevada supports the local mining and agricultural industries, as well as residential communities. Its role in the grid is critical for maintaining reliable electricity supply in a region with variable demand and challenging environmental conditions, such as extreme temperatures and wildfire risks. The facility contributes to the resilience of the regional power system.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in a semi-arid region of Nevada, where high summer temperatures and low precipitation pose challenges for electrical equipment cooling and vegetation management. The surrounding landscape is characterized by sagebrush and desert terrain, which can increase wildfire risk. Proper maintenance of clearance zones and use of fire-resistant materials are typical mitigation measures for substations in such environments.
Frequently asked questions
Grass Valley Substation is located in Nevada, United States, at coordinates 40.934301, -117.746461. It is owned by NV Energy.
Grass Valley Substation operates at 115 kV (115,000 volts), which is a common voltage level for sub-transmission and distribution substations in the United States.
Grass Valley Substation is owned by NV Energy, a major utility company serving Nevada with electricity and natural gas.
As part of the US electrical grid, Grass Valley Substation must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations. These standards cover grid stability, cybersecurity, and equipment maintenance.
A 115 kV substation typically steps down voltage from higher transmission lines (e.g., 230 kV) for distribution to local areas. It also provides switching and protection functions to ensure reliable power delivery.