Overview
Kiski Valley Substation is an operational electrical substation in Pennsylvania, United States, operated by West Penn Power. It handles voltages of 138 kV and 34.5 kV, serving the local grid.
Kiski Valley Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Pennsylvania, United States. Owned and operated by West Penn Power, this facility plays a key role in the regional electrical infrastructure. The substation handles transmission-level voltage of 138 kV and distribution-level voltage of 34.5 kV, indicating its function in stepping down power for local distribution. Operating under the regulatory framework of the United States, this substation must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations for transmission assets. As part of the PJM Interconnection grid, it contributes to the stability and reliability of the mid-Atlantic power system. The substation's equipment likely includes modern switchgear and protection systems to ensure safe operation. The substation's location in western Pennsylvania supports the energy needs of the Kiski Valley area, including residential, commercial, and industrial customers. Its role in the grid is critical for maintaining voltage stability and power quality. The facility's operational status ensures continued service to the community, aligning with the broader electrical infrastructure goals of reliability and resilience.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in a rural to suburban area of Pennsylvania, where the local environment includes mixed forest and agricultural land. Electrical infrastructure like this can have localized impacts such as electromagnetic fields and visual intrusion, but modern design minimizes these effects. The facility's operation supports grid stability, which is essential for integrating renewable energy sources and reducing overall environmental footprint.
Frequently asked questions
Kiski Valley Substation is located in Pennsylvania, United States, near coordinates 40.629790, -79.629558.
Kiski Valley Substation handles voltages of 138 kV (transmission) and 34.5 kV (distribution), indicating its role in stepping down power for local use.
Kiski Valley Substation is owned and operated by West Penn Power, a utility serving parts of Pennsylvania.
As part of the US electrical grid, Kiski Valley Substation must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations for transmission assets, ensuring grid stability and safety.
Substations like Kiski Valley are critical for voltage transformation, switching, and protection in the electrical grid, enabling reliable power delivery from transmission lines to distribution networks.