Overview
Kelford Substation is an operational electrical substation in North Carolina, United States, owned and operated by Virginia Electric & Power Company. It handles voltages of 115 kV and 34.5 kV, serving the local grid.
Kelford Substation is an operational electrical substation located in North Carolina, United States. Owned and operated by Virginia Electric & Power Company, a subsidiary of Dominion Energy, this facility plays a role in the regional transmission and distribution network. The substation's voltage levels of 115 kV and 34.5 kV indicate it serves both transmission and sub-transmission functions, typical for connecting bulk power to local distribution systems. As part of the U.S. electrical infrastructure, Kelford Substation operates under the regulatory oversight of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for wholesale electricity markets and the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) for reliability standards. The facility likely adheres to NERC's Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) standards for cybersecurity and physical security. The substation's equipment, including switchgear and transformers, is designed to ensure grid stability and power quality. The substation's location in a rural area of North Carolina supports the local community's electricity needs. Its operational status contributes to the resilience of the regional grid, particularly during peak demand or extreme weather events. The facility's role in voltage regulation and power distribution is essential for maintaining reliable service to residential, commercial, and industrial customers in the area.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in a rural area of North Carolina, where the surrounding landscape includes agricultural fields and forested patches. The environmental context for electrical infrastructure in this region involves considerations of electromagnetic fields (EMF) and potential impacts on local wildlife, particularly birds and bats. Substations may also require vegetation management to maintain clearance and prevent outages, which can affect local ecosystems. The facility's operation contributes to grid reliability, supporting the integration of renewable energy sources like solar and wind, which are growing in the region.
Frequently asked questions
Kelford Substation is located in North Carolina, United States, near the town of Kelford. Its approximate coordinates are 36.1649 N, -77.2183 W.
Kelford Substation is owned and operated by Virginia Electric & Power Company, a subsidiary of Dominion Energy, which serves customers in Virginia and North Carolina.
Kelford Substation handles two voltage levels: 115,000 volts (115 kV) for transmission and 34,500 volts (34.5 kV) for sub-transmission or distribution.
Substations in the United States are subject to NERC reliability standards, including CIP for cybersecurity, and FERC regulations for wholesale electricity markets. They also comply with local utility standards and the National Electrical Safety Code.
Substations transform voltage levels, switch circuits, and protect the grid from faults. They are critical nodes that connect transmission lines to distribution networks, ensuring reliable electricity delivery to consumers.