Overview
Hancock Substation is an operational electrical substation in the United States, owned and operated by Potomac Edison. It plays a key role in regional grid stability and power distribution.
Hancock Substation is an operational electrical substation located in the United States, owned and operated by Potomac Edison. As a substation, it serves as a critical node in the electrical infrastructure, stepping voltage levels for efficient transmission and distribution. The facility is part of the broader grid network that supplies power to residential, commercial, and industrial customers in the region. The substation operates under the regulatory framework of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), which enforce reliability standards for the bulk power system. While specific voltage levels are not detailed, substations of this type typically handle medium to high voltages, contributing to grid stability and load balancing. Potomac Edison, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy, serves customers in Maryland, West Virginia, and Virginia, indicating the substation's role in a multi-state service area. Environmentally, the substation's location in a rural area near Hancock, Maryland, minimizes direct impact on densely populated zones. Its operational significance lies in supporting the reliability of the regional grid, particularly for communities in the Potomac River Valley. Ongoing maintenance and compliance with NERC standards ensure safe and efficient operation.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in a rural area near Hancock, Maryland, reducing its direct environmental footprint on urban populations. Its operation involves electromagnetic fields and potential oil containment from transformers, which are managed under environmental regulations. The facility's role in grid stability supports the integration of renewable energy sources, contributing to broader environmental goals.
Frequently asked questions
Hancock Substation is located in the United States, near Hancock, Maryland, at coordinates 39.703240, -78.180803.
Hancock Substation is owned and operated by Potomac Edison, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy that provides electricity to customers in Maryland, West Virginia, and Virginia.
Substations like Hancock transform voltage levels for efficient transmission and distribution of electricity, and they help maintain grid stability by switching and protecting circuits.
Hancock Substation must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations for the US bulk power system, ensuring safe and reliable operation.
As part of Potomac Edison's network, Hancock Substation supports electricity distribution to rural and suburban communities in the Potomac River Valley, enhancing grid resilience.