Overview
Lake Gaston Substation is an operational electrical substation in the United States, owned and operated by Virginia Electric & Power Company. It handles voltages of 115 kV and 34.5 kV, supporting regional grid stability.
Lake Gaston Substation is an operational electrical substation located in the United States, owned and operated by Virginia Electric & Power Company, a subsidiary of Dominion Energy. The facility plays a key role in the regional power grid, stepping down transmission voltages for local distribution. The substation operates at two voltage levels: 115 kV for transmission and 34.5 kV for sub-transmission or distribution. This configuration is typical for substations that connect high-voltage transmission lines to lower-voltage distribution networks. As part of the North American power grid, the facility adheres to NERC reliability standards and is subject to FERC regulation for interstate electricity transmission. Located near Lake Gaston, a reservoir on the Roanoke River, the substation supports the electrical infrastructure of the surrounding rural and residential areas. Its operation is critical for maintaining reliable power supply to communities in the region, contributing to grid resilience and energy delivery.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in a rural area near Lake Gaston, a man-made reservoir used for hydroelectric power generation and recreation. The facility's presence supports the local grid, which serves residential and agricultural customers. Substations of this scale typically have minimal direct environmental impact, though they require vegetation management and maintenance to ensure safe operation.
Frequently asked questions
Lake Gaston Substation is located in the United States, near Lake Gaston on the border of North Carolina and Virginia. Its approximate coordinates are 36.49° N, -77.81° W.
Lake Gaston Substation operates at two voltage levels: 115 kV for transmission and 34.5 kV for sub-transmission or distribution, as indicated by its specifications.
Lake Gaston Substation is owned and operated by Virginia Electric & Power Company, a subsidiary of Dominion Energy, a major utility in the United States.
Substations in the United States must comply with NERC reliability standards for grid stability and FERC regulations for interstate transmission. Facilities like Lake Gaston Substation are also subject to state utility commission oversight.
Substations like Lake Gaston step down high-voltage electricity from transmission lines to lower voltages suitable for distribution to homes and businesses. They also provide switching, protection, and monitoring functions to ensure grid reliability.