Overview
Little Goose Substation is an operational 500 kV substation in the United States, owned and operated by the Bonneville Power Administration. It plays a key role in the Pacific Northwest's high-voltage transmission grid.
Little Goose Substation is a high-voltage electrical substation located in the United States, specifically in the Pacific Northwest region. Owned and operated by the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), it is a critical node in the regional transmission network, handling a voltage of 500 kV, which classifies it as a large-scale, extra-high-voltage facility. The substation operates under the regulatory framework of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), which set reliability standards for the bulk power system. As part of BPA's infrastructure, it adheres to NERC's Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) standards and is subject to FERC's oversight for transmission rates and grid reliability. The 500 kV voltage level indicates its role in long-distance, high-capacity power transmission, connecting generation sources to load centers. Environmentally, the substation is situated in a rural area of Washington state, near the Snake River. Its operation supports the integration of hydroelectric power from the Columbia River basin, a major renewable energy source. The facility's high voltage and strategic location contribute to grid stability and enable the efficient transfer of electricity across state lines, serving both urban and rural communities in the region.
Environmental context
Located in a rural area near the Snake River in Washington state, the substation supports the transmission of hydroelectric power from the Columbia River basin, a significant renewable energy source. The high-voltage infrastructure facilitates long-distance power transfer, reducing transmission losses and supporting grid reliability. The surrounding landscape is characterized by agricultural land and natural habitats, where the substation's presence is integrated with minimal visual impact due to its remote setting.
Frequently asked questions
Little Goose Substation is located in the United States, near the Snake River in Washington state, at coordinates 46.582282, -118.053099.
Little Goose Substation operates at 500 kV (500,000 volts), which is classified as extra-high voltage, suitable for long-distance bulk power transmission.
The substation is owned and operated by the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), a federal agency under the U.S. Department of Energy that manages the electric power transmission in the Pacific Northwest.
As part of the U.S. bulk power system, the substation must comply with NERC reliability standards, including CIP requirements, and is subject to FERC regulation for transmission rates and grid reliability.
Little Goose Substation serves as a key node in BPA's high-voltage transmission network, facilitating the transfer of electricity from hydroelectric dams on the Columbia River to load centers across the Pacific Northwest.