Overview
Koloa Substation is an operational electrical substation on Kauai, Hawaii, operated by Kauai Island Utility Cooperative. It handles voltages of 57.1 kV and 12.47 kV, serving the local grid.
Koloa Substation is an operational electrical substation located on the island of Kauai in Hawaii, United States. It is owned and operated by Kauai Island Utility Cooperative, a member-owned utility serving the island's electricity needs. The substation handles primary voltage levels of 57.1 kV and secondary distribution voltage of 12.47 kV, indicating its role in stepping down transmission-level power for local distribution. As part of the US electrical infrastructure, Koloa Substation operates under the regulatory oversight of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for wholesale electricity markets and reliability standards set by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC). The facility likely includes modern switchgear and protection systems compliant with industry standards such as IEEE C37 for substation equipment. Given its location on a remote island, the substation plays a critical role in maintaining grid stability and reliability for the Kauai community. Koloa Substation is essential for delivering electricity to residential, commercial, and agricultural customers in the Koloa area. Its operation supports the island's energy needs, including integration of renewable energy sources like solar and hydroelectric power that Kauai Island Utility Cooperative has been expanding. The substation's strategic location and voltage levels make it a key node in Kauai's electrical grid, contributing to the island's energy resilience and sustainability goals.
Environmental context
The substation is located in a tropical climate on Kauai, an island with significant renewable energy resources. Its operation supports grid stability while enabling integration of variable renewable generation. The facility's urban-rural interface location requires careful management of electromagnetic fields and visual impact, though specific environmental mitigation measures are not detailed.
Frequently asked questions
Koloa Substation is located on the island of Kauai in Hawaii, United States, near the town of Koloa.
Koloa Substation is owned and operated by Kauai Island Utility Cooperative, a member-owned electric utility serving Kauai.
Koloa Substation handles primary voltage of 57.1 kV and secondary distribution voltage of 12.47 kV.
US substations must comply with NERC reliability standards for grid stability and FERC regulations for wholesale electricity. Equipment often follows IEEE and ANSI standards.
Koloa Substation steps down transmission voltage for local distribution, enabling reliable electricity delivery to homes and businesses. It also supports integration of renewable energy sources like solar and hydro.