Overview
Hawthorne Plywood Mill Substation FPL is an operational 115 kV substation in Florida, owned and operated by Florida Power & Light, serving the local grid.
Hawthorne Plywood Mill Substation FPL is a 115 kV electrical substation located in Hawthorne, Florida, United States. Owned and operated by Florida Power & Light, a major investor-owned utility, this facility plays a role in the regional transmission and distribution network. The substation's voltage level of 115 kV places it in the sub-transmission category, typical for serving industrial and residential loads in the area. As part of the Florida Power & Light system, the substation operates under the regulatory oversight of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for wholesale electricity markets and the Florida Public Service Commission for retail reliability. The facility adheres to North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) reliability standards, ensuring grid stability and compliance with mandatory protocols. Substations of this voltage class commonly use air-insulated switchgear and are monitored via supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems. The substation is situated in a rural area near Hawthorne, supporting local industrial operations, including the plywood mill, and surrounding communities. Its operational status contributes to the resilience of the regional grid, particularly during extreme weather events common in Florida. The facility's integration with FPL's broader network underscores its role in maintaining reliable electricity supply for the region.
Environmental context
The substation is located in a rural area of north-central Florida, characterized by mixed pine forests and agricultural land. The 115 kV voltage level indicates it serves as a distribution-level node, with lower electromagnetic field exposure compared to higher-voltage transmission lines. The facility's operation is subject to environmental regulations concerning stormwater runoff and potential oil containment from transformers, typical for substations in this region. Proximity to natural habitats may require vegetation management practices that minimize ecological disruption.
Frequently asked questions
Hawthorne Plywood Mill Substation FPL is located in Hawthorne, Florida, United States, at coordinates 29.594443, -82.037001.
The substation operates at 115 kV, which is a sub-transmission voltage level commonly used for distributing power to industrial and residential areas.
The substation is owned and operated by Florida Power & Light (FPL), a major electric utility serving most of Florida.
As part of the U.S. grid, the substation must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations for transmission-level assets, as well as state-level oversight by the Florida Public Service Commission.
A 115 kV substation steps down high-voltage transmission power to lower voltages for distribution to local customers, and may also serve as a switching point for grid routing and reliability.