Overview
Kimbrough Substation is an operational electrical substation in Alabama, United States, owned and operated by Alabama Power. It operates at voltages of 115 kV and 12.47 kV, serving the local grid.
Kimbrough Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Alabama, United States. Owned and operated by Alabama Power, a major utility in the region, the facility plays a key role in the local electrical infrastructure. The substation is part of the broader transmission and distribution network that serves residential, commercial, and industrial customers in the area. The substation operates at two voltage levels: 115,000 volts (115 kV) for transmission and 12,470 volts (12.47 kV) for distribution. This dual-voltage configuration indicates that Kimbrough Substation functions as a step-down substation, converting high-voltage transmission power to lower voltages suitable for local distribution. As part of the Alabama Power network, it adheres to North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) reliability standards and is subject to Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) regulation for transmission-level assets. The facility's location in rural Alabama supports grid stability and electricity delivery to surrounding communities. Its operational status ensures continued service, contributing to the reliability of the regional power supply. The substation's design and equipment, including switchgear and transformers, are typical for medium-scale substations in the United States, with age and maintenance practices influencing long-term performance.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in a rural area of Alabama, where the local environment includes mixed forest and agricultural land. Electrical infrastructure in such settings must consider vegetation management to prevent outages and wildlife interactions. The facility's operation involves minimal direct environmental impact, but its role in grid stability supports the integration of renewable energy sources and reduces reliance on less efficient generation.
Frequently asked questions
Kimbrough Substation is located in Alabama, United States, at coordinates 32.031941, -87.566198. It is owned and operated by Alabama Power.
Kimbrough Substation operates at two voltage levels: 115,000 volts (115 kV) for transmission and 12,470 volts (12.47 kV) for distribution, indicating it is a step-down substation.
Kimbrough Substation is owned and operated by Alabama Power, a major electric utility serving Alabama and parts of the southeastern United States.
As part of the US electrical grid, Kimbrough Substation must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations for transmission assets. Alabama Power also follows state-level utility regulations.
Substations like Kimbrough are critical for stepping down high-voltage transmission power to lower voltages for local distribution, ensuring safe and reliable electricity delivery to homes and businesses.