Overview
Lone Gum Substation is an operational electrical substation in Virginia, United States, operated by Southside Electric Cooperative. It operates at 138 kV, supporting regional grid stability.
Lone Gum Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Virginia, United States, operated by Southside Electric Cooperative. The facility operates at a voltage of 138 kV, placing it in the medium-to-high voltage range typical for distribution and sub-transmission substations serving rural and suburban areas. 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 a cooperative-owned asset, it is part of a member-owned utility network that prioritizes reliable service to its community. This substation plays a key role in the local electrical infrastructure by stepping down transmission-level power for distribution to homes and businesses. Its location in Virginia, a state with a diverse energy mix including nuclear, natural gas, and renewables, underscores its importance in maintaining grid resilience and supporting economic activity in the region.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in a rural area of Virginia, where the surrounding landscape includes mixed forest and agricultural land. The 138 kV voltage level indicates it is a critical node for local power distribution, with potential environmental considerations related to electromagnetic fields and land use. The facility's operation aligns with NERC standards that include vegetation management and wildlife protection measures to minimize ecological impact.
Frequently asked questions
Lone Gum Substation is located in Virginia, United States, at coordinates 37.179455, -79.431087. It is operated by Southside Electric Cooperative.
Lone Gum Substation operates at 138 kV, which is a common voltage level for sub-transmission and distribution substations in the United States.
Lone Gum Substation is operated by Southside Electric Cooperative, a member-owned electric utility serving parts of Virginia.
As part of the U.S. bulk power system, Lone Gum Substation must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations, which govern grid stability and operational safety.
A 138 kV substation steps down high-voltage transmission power to lower voltages for distribution to residential, commercial, and industrial customers, ensuring reliable electricity supply to the local area.