Overview
Lea Hill Substation is an operational electrical substation in the United States, serving the power grid near Auburn, Washington. It plays a key role in local electricity distribution and grid stability.
Lea Hill Substation is an operational electrical substation located in the United States, specifically in the vicinity of Auburn, Washington. As a substation, it is a critical node in the electrical infrastructure, stepping down high-voltage transmission power to lower voltages for distribution to residential, commercial, and industrial customers. The facility is part of the broader North American power grid, which is regulated by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for reliability and market operations. The substation operates under the technical standards typical for US electrical infrastructure, including compliance with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations. Substations of this type commonly handle voltages ranging from 69 kV to 230 kV for transmission-level inputs, stepping down to distribution voltages of 12 kV to 34.5 kV. The facility's location in the Pacific Northwest places it within the Western Interconnection, one of the three major power grids in the US, which is overseen by the Western Electricity Coordinating Council (WECC). Environmentally, the substation supports the integration of renewable energy sources common to the region, such as hydroelectric power from the Columbia River basin and wind energy from eastern Washington. Its operational role helps maintain grid reliability and facilitates the transition to cleaner energy. The substation's proximity to urban areas underscores its importance in delivering reliable electricity to communities and supporting economic activity in the region.
Environmental context
Located in the Pacific Northwest, Lea Hill Substation operates in a region with significant hydroelectric and wind energy resources. The substation's role in voltage transformation and grid stability supports the integration of these renewable sources, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Its urban setting near Auburn, Washington, means it serves a dense population center, where reliable electricity is critical for residential, commercial, and industrial activities. The facility's design and operation likely incorporate modern switchgear and automation to minimize environmental impact and enhance efficiency.
Frequently asked questions
Lea Hill Substation is located near Auburn, Washington, in the United States. Its approximate coordinates are 47.322237 N, -122.178158 W.
As an electrical substation, Lea Hill Substation steps down high-voltage transmission power to lower voltages for distribution to local customers. It also helps maintain grid stability and reliability.
The operator of Lea Hill Substation is not publicly listed, but it is likely owned and operated by a local utility company such as Puget Sound Energy or a similar entity serving the Auburn area.
Lea Hill Substation operates under NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations for the US power grid. It is part of the Western Interconnection and complies with WECC regional requirements.
Typical substations in the US handle transmission voltages from 69 kV to 230 kV and distribute at 12 kV to 34.5 kV.