Overview
Hales Branch Substation is an operational electrical substation in Virginia, United States, owned by Appalachian Power Company. It handles voltages of 138 kV, 69 kV, and 12.47 kV, serving the regional grid.
Hales Branch Substation is an electrical substation located in Virginia, United States, and is owned and operated by Appalachian Power Company, a subsidiary of American Electric Power. The substation is operational and plays a role in the transmission and distribution network, handling multiple voltage levels including 138 kV, 69 kV, and 12.47 kV. As part of the Appalachian Power system, this substation operates under the regulatory framework of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and adheres to North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) reliability standards. The substation's voltage levels indicate it serves both transmission (138 kV) and sub-transmission/distribution (69 kV, 12.47 kV) functions, typical for facilities supporting mixed urban and rural loads in the Appalachian region. The substation's location in Virginia places it within the PJM Interconnection regional transmission organization, which coordinates the movement of wholesale electricity. Its operational status and integration into the broader grid contribute to the reliability of electricity supply for residential, commercial, and industrial customers in the area.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in a region characterized by the Appalachian Mountains, with mixed forested and developed land. Electrical infrastructure in this area must consider terrain challenges and potential impacts on local ecosystems. The substation's design and operation likely include measures to manage stormwater runoff and minimize electromagnetic field exposure, in compliance with state and federal environmental regulations.
Frequently asked questions
Hales Branch Substation is located in Virginia, United States, at coordinates 37.260530, -81.943110. It is owned and operated by Appalachian Power Company.
Hales Branch Substation handles multiple voltage levels: 138,000 volts (138 kV), 69,000 volts (69 kV), and 12,470 volts (12.47 kV). These voltages indicate its role in both transmission and distribution.
Hales Branch Substation is owned by Appalachian Power Company, a subsidiary of American Electric Power, which serves customers in Virginia, West Virginia, and Tennessee.
Substations in the United States must comply with NERC reliability standards for grid stability and FERC regulations for transmission. Additionally, they follow IEEE and ISO/IEC standards for substation automation and safety.
As part of the Appalachian Power network and PJM Interconnection, Hales Branch Substation helps transmit and distribute electricity to residential, commercial, and industrial customers in the region, supporting grid reliability and load management.