Overview
Lopez Bonneville Power Substation is an operational electrical substation in Washington, United States, operating at 69 kV. It plays a role in regional grid stability under NERC and FERC oversight.
Lopez Bonneville Power Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Washington, United States. The facility operates at a voltage of 69 kV, classifying it as a medium-voltage substation typical of distribution-level infrastructure in the region. As part of the Bonneville Power Administration's network, this substation falls under the regulatory framework of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). These bodies enforce reliability standards and ensure the stability of the bulk power system. The 69 kV voltage level is commonly used for subtransmission and distribution, serving local communities and industries. The substation's location in the San Juan Islands area of Washington places it in a region with unique environmental and logistical considerations. Its role in distributing power to Lopez Island and surrounding areas underscores its importance to local energy resilience, particularly given the island's reliance on submarine cables and limited redundancy.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in the San Juan Islands, a region characterized by marine ecosystems and temperate rainforests. Its operation supports local communities while minimizing land use impact through existing infrastructure corridors. The 69 kV voltage level indicates a balance between capacity and environmental footprint, typical of rural distribution substations.
Frequently asked questions
Lopez Bonneville Power Substation is located in Washington, United States, near Lopez Island in the San Juan Islands.
Lopez Bonneville Power Substation operates at a voltage of 69 kV, which is typical for subtransmission and distribution substations.
As part of the US electrical grid, this substation is regulated by NERC for reliability standards and by FERC for interstate electricity transmission.
A 69 kV substation typically steps down voltage from higher transmission levels for local distribution, serving communities and industries within a regional network.
The Bonneville Power Administration operates the federal transmission system in the Pacific Northwest, and this substation is part of its network, ensuring reliable power delivery to the San Juan Islands.