Overview
Latah Junction Substation is an operational electrical substation in Washington State, USA, owned and operated by Avista. It operates at 115 kV, serving the regional power grid.
Latah Junction Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Washington State, United States. Owned and operated by Avista, a major utility in the Pacific Northwest, the facility plays a key role in the regional electrical infrastructure. The substation operates at a voltage of 115 kV, which is typical for sub-transmission and distribution-level assets that connect local distribution networks to the higher-voltage transmission grid. As part of the United States electrical grid, Latah Junction Substation operates under the regulatory framework established by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). These standards ensure reliability and security for bulk power systems. The substation likely includes modern switchgear and protection systems compliant with industry standards such as IEEE C37, though specific equipment details are not disclosed. The substation's location in eastern Washington places it within a region with a mix of hydroelectric, wind, and natural gas generation. Its role in the grid is critical for maintaining voltage stability and power flow to local communities and industries. Avista's ownership ensures adherence to utility best practices for maintenance and grid integration, supporting reliable electricity service in the area.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in a rural area near Latah, Washington, characterized by agricultural land and low population density. Its operation at 115 kV indicates a role in distributing power from transmission lines to local distribution networks. The surrounding environment includes open fields and scattered residential properties, with minimal direct environmental impact from the substation itself. However, the broader grid context involves integration with renewable energy sources like wind and hydro, which influence local grid stability and operational patterns.
Frequently asked questions
Latah Junction Substation is located in Washington State, United States, near the town of Latah. Its approximate coordinates are 47.332878 N, -117.152214 W.
Latah Junction Substation is owned and operated by Avista, a utility company serving the Pacific Northwest region of the United States.
Latah Junction Substation operates at a voltage of 115 kV (115,000 volts), which is a common sub-transmission voltage level used to distribute power from higher-voltage transmission lines to local distribution networks.
As part of the US electrical grid, Latah Junction Substation must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations. These standards cover grid reliability, cybersecurity, and equipment maintenance to ensure stable power delivery.
A 115 kV substation like Latah Junction serves as an interface between high-voltage transmission lines (typically 230 kV and above) and lower-voltage distribution networks (typically below 50 kV). It steps down voltage and routes power to local communities, industries, and other substations, playing a critical role in grid stability and reliability.