Overview
Keene Road 345kV Substation is an operational electrical substation in Maine, United States, owned and operated by Versant Power. It operates at 345 kV, a high-voltage level critical for regional grid stability.
Keene Road 345kV Substation is a high-voltage electrical substation located in Maine, United States. Owned and operated by Versant Power, the facility plays a key role in the regional transmission network, stepping down or switching power at 345 kV to support reliable electricity distribution across the area. The substation operates at 345 kV, a standard extra-high voltage level used for long-distance bulk power transmission in North America. As part of the U.S. grid, it falls under the jurisdiction of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), ensuring compliance with reliability standards for voltage control, protection systems, and maintenance protocols. Located in a rural area of Maine, the substation supports the local community by providing stable power supply and grid interconnection. Its operation is essential for integrating renewable energy sources, such as wind and hydro, into the regional grid, contributing to energy resilience and environmental sustainability.
Environmental context
The substation's location in rural Maine places it within a region characterized by forests and waterways, where electrical infrastructure must coexist with natural habitats. The 345 kV voltage level indicates its role in long-distance transmission, which can have environmental impacts through corridor maintenance and electromagnetic fields. However, modern substations are designed with mitigation measures to minimize ecological disruption.
Frequently asked questions
Keene Road 345kV Substation is located in Maine, United States, at coordinates 45.397422, -68.529283.
The substation operates at 345 kV, which is an extra-high voltage level used for bulk power transmission over long distances.
The substation is owned and operated by Versant Power, a utility serving northern and eastern Maine.
As part of the U.S. grid, the substation must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations for transmission assets, including voltage control and protection system requirements.
A 345 kV substation serves as a node in the high-voltage transmission network, enabling power flow between generation sources and distribution systems, and ensuring grid stability.