Overview
Kailua Substation is an operational electrical substation in Kailua, Hawaii, owned and operated by Hawaiian Electric Company. It handles voltages of 46,000, 12,470, and 4,160 volts, serving the local grid.
Kailua Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Kailua, Hawaii, United States. Owned and operated by Hawaiian Electric Company, it plays a key role in distributing electricity to the surrounding community. The substation handles multiple voltage levels, including 46,000 volts (transmission), 12,470 volts (primary distribution), and 4,160 volts (secondary distribution), indicating its function as a step-down facility connecting the high-voltage transmission grid to local distribution networks. As part of the Hawaiian Electric system, Kailua Substation operates under the regulatory framework of the U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for interstate transmission and the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission for intrastate operations. The substation likely adheres to North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) reliability standards to ensure grid stability. Its location in a residential area of Kailua on Oahu's windward coast suggests it serves a mix of residential and commercial customers, with infrastructure designed to withstand tropical weather conditions common to the Hawaiian Islands. The substation's environmental context includes its urban setting in Kailua, a coastal town with high rainfall and proximity to marine ecosystems. The facility's design likely incorporates measures to prevent oil spills from transformers and to manage stormwater runoff. As part of the island grid, it supports the integration of renewable energy sources like solar and wind, which are increasingly important for Hawaii's goal of 100% renewable electricity by 2045.
Environmental context
Kailua Substation is situated in a coastal urban environment on Oahu, Hawaii, where high rainfall and proximity to the ocean necessitate robust environmental safeguards. The facility likely includes containment systems for transformer oils and stormwater management to protect local waterways and marine life. Its role in distributing electricity supports the island's transition to renewable energy, reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels and lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
Frequently asked questions
Kailua Substation is located in Kailua, Hawaii, United States, on the island of Oahu.
Kailua Substation is owned and operated by Hawaiian Electric Company, the primary electric utility serving Oahu.
Kailua Substation handles voltages of 46,000 volts (transmission), 12,470 volts (primary distribution), and 4,160 volts (secondary distribution).
Substations in Hawaii must comply with NERC reliability standards for grid stability and are regulated by the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission for intrastate operations, along with FERC for interstate aspects.
As part of Hawaiian Electric's grid, Kailua Substation helps integrate renewable energy sources like solar and wind, supporting Hawaii's target of 100% renewable electricity by 2045.