Overview
Gravelly Lake Substation is an operational electrical substation in Washington, United States, owned and operated by Puget Sound Energy. It operates at 115 kV, serving the local grid.
Gravelly Lake Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Washington, United States. Owned and operated by Puget Sound Energy, it is a key node in the regional transmission network. The substation operates at a voltage of 115 kV, which is typical for sub-transmission and distribution-level infrastructure in North America. As part of Puget Sound Energy's grid, the substation falls under the regulatory oversight of the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission and must comply with North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) reliability standards. The 115 kV voltage level indicates it serves as a distribution substation, stepping down power from higher transmission voltages for local delivery. The substation plays a critical role in maintaining grid stability for the surrounding communities. Its location near Gravelly Lake in Pierce County supports residential and commercial electricity demand. The facility's operational status ensures continued service reliability in the region.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in a suburban area near Gravelly Lake, a freshwater lake in Washington. The surrounding environment includes residential neighborhoods and mixed forestland. Electrical infrastructure at this voltage level typically has minimal direct environmental impact, though proper maintenance of switchgear and transformers is essential to prevent oil leaks and ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
Frequently asked questions
Gravelly Lake Substation is located in Washington, United States, near Gravelly Lake in Pierce County. Its coordinates are approximately 47.148162 N, -122.547656 W.
Gravelly Lake Substation operates at a voltage of 115 kV, which is a common voltage for distribution substations in the United States.
Gravelly Lake Substation is owned and operated by Puget Sound Energy, a major utility serving the Pacific Northwest region of the United States.
Substations in the United States must comply with North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) reliability standards and are regulated by state utility commissions, such as the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission.
A 115 kV substation typically steps down transmission-level voltage for distribution to local areas, serving as a critical link between high-voltage transmission lines and lower-voltage distribution networks that deliver electricity to homes and businesses.