Overview
Happy Valley Substaton is an operational substation in Washington State, USA, owned by Bonneville Power Administration. It operates at 230 kV and 115 kV, serving the regional power grid.
Happy Valley Substaton is an electrical substation located in Washington State, United States, and is owned and operated by the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA). The facility is currently operational and plays a key role in the region's high-voltage transmission network. The substation operates at dual voltage levels of 230 kV and 115 kV, which are typical for transmission and sub-transmission applications in the United States. As part of BPA's infrastructure, it is subject to NERC reliability standards and FERC regulation, ensuring grid stability and compliance with federal requirements. This substation contributes to the electrical infrastructure serving the Pacific Northwest, supporting power distribution to local communities and industries. Its location in Washington State places it within a region with significant hydropower resources and a robust transmission grid managed by BPA.
Environmental context
The substation is located in a rural area of Washington State, near the Olympic Peninsula, which is characterized by temperate rainforests and diverse ecosystems. The facility's operation supports the integration of renewable energy sources, such as hydropower from the Columbia River system, into the regional grid. Proper maintenance of switchgear and transformers is essential to minimize environmental risks such as oil leaks or SF6 emissions.
Frequently asked questions
Happy Valley Substaton is located in Washington State, United States, near the Olympic Peninsula. Its coordinates are approximately 48.0424 N, -123.1061 W.
The substation is owned and operated by the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), a federal agency under the U.S. Department of Energy that manages the electric power grid in the Pacific Northwest.
Happy Valley Substaton operates at two voltage levels: 230 kV and 115 kV. These are common transmission and sub-transmission voltages used to efficiently move electricity over long distances.
As part of the U.S. bulk power system, Happy Valley Substaton must comply with NERC reliability standards and is subject to FERC oversight. These regulations ensure grid reliability, cybersecurity, and operational safety.
BPA is a federal power marketing administration that operates a high-voltage transmission system across the Pacific Northwest. It markets hydropower from federal dams and ensures reliable electricity delivery to utilities and industries.