Overview
Hickory Substation is an operational electrical substation in Virginia, United States, owned and operated by Virginia Electric and Power Company. It operates at a voltage of 230 kV, serving the regional grid.
Hickory Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Virginia, United States. Owned and operated by Virginia Electric and Power Company (a Dominion Energy subsidiary), it plays a key role in the regional transmission network. The facility operates at 230 kV, a standard high-voltage level for bulk power transmission, connecting generation sources to distribution systems. As part of the U.S. electrical infrastructure, Hickory Substation operates under the regulatory oversight of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and adheres to North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) reliability standards. The 230 kV voltage class is typical for sub-transmission and transmission applications, supporting grid stability and load delivery across the region. The substation's location in coastal Virginia places it within a region experiencing growing electricity demand due to population and economic expansion. Its role in the grid is critical for maintaining reliable power supply to residential, commercial, and industrial customers, while also supporting integration of renewable energy sources as the state pursues clean energy goals.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in a coastal plain region of Virginia, characterized by flat terrain and proximity to the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Electrical infrastructure in this area must consider storm surge and flooding risks from hurricanes and nor'easters. The 230 kV voltage level indicates the facility's importance in the transmission network, requiring robust design to withstand extreme weather events and ensure grid resilience.
Frequently asked questions
Hickory Substation is located in Virginia, United States, near coordinates 36.643634, -76.236928. It is owned and operated by Virginia Electric and Power Company.
Hickory Substation operates at a voltage of 230 kV, which is a standard high-voltage level for transmission and sub-transmission in the United States.
Hickory Substation is owned and operated by Virginia Electric and Power Company, a subsidiary of Dominion Energy, a major utility in the Mid-Atlantic region.
As part of the U.S. electrical grid, Hickory Substation must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations for transmission assets, ensuring grid stability and security.
A 230 kV substation like Hickory serves as a node in the transmission network, stepping down voltage for distribution or interconnecting generation sources. It is critical for reliable power delivery to the region.