Overview
Iwilei Substation, operated by Hawaiian Electric Company, is a key electrical infrastructure facility in Honolulu, Hawaii, handling voltages from 11.5 kV to 138 kV.
Iwilei Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Honolulu, Hawaii, United States. It is owned and operated by Hawaiian Electric Company, the primary electric utility serving the island of Oahu. The substation handles multiple voltage levels including 138 kV, 46 kV, 25 kV, and 11.5 kV, indicating its role in both transmission and distribution within the local grid. As part of the Hawaiian Electric system, Iwilei Substation operates under the regulatory oversight of the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission and must comply with North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) reliability standards. The substation's voltage levels suggest it serves as a critical node connecting high-voltage transmission lines to lower-voltage distribution networks, supporting urban and industrial areas in Honolulu. The substation plays a vital role in maintaining grid stability for Honolulu's dense population and economic activities. Its location near the urban core underscores its importance in delivering reliable electricity to residential, commercial, and industrial customers. The facility's operational status and integration into the broader Oahu grid highlight its contribution to the region's energy infrastructure.
Environmental context
Iwilei Substation is situated in an urban coastal environment in Honolulu, where electrical infrastructure must withstand tropical climate conditions including high humidity, salt spray, and occasional storms. The substation's design and maintenance practices are likely adapted to mitigate corrosion and ensure reliability in this setting. Its location in a densely populated area also necessitates careful management of electromagnetic fields and noise to minimize community impact.
Frequently asked questions
Iwilei Substation is located in Honolulu, Hawaii, United States, at coordinates 21.317804 N, -157.867294 W.
Iwilei Substation handles multiple voltage levels: 138 kV, 46 kV, 25 kV, and 11.5 kV, serving both transmission and distribution functions.
Iwilei Substation is operated by Hawaiian Electric Company, the primary electric utility on the island of Oahu.
Substations in the United States must comply with North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) reliability standards and are regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for transmission-level assets.
Substations like Iwilei transform voltage levels between transmission and distribution networks, enabling efficient long-distance power transmission and safe local distribution to homes and businesses.