Overview
Martinsville Substation is an operational electrical substation in Virginia, United States, owned and operated by Appalachian Power Company. It operates at 138 kV, serving the local grid.
Martinsville Substation is an electrical substation located in Virginia, United States, owned and operated by Appalachian Power Company. The facility is operational and plays a role in the regional power distribution network, handling voltage at 138 kV, which is typical for sub-transmission and distribution substations in the area. The substation operates under the regulatory framework of the United States, which includes NERC reliability standards for grid stability and FERC oversight for interstate electricity transmission. As a 138 kV facility, it is part of the medium-voltage infrastructure that connects higher-voltage transmission lines to local distribution networks. Appalachian Power Company, a subsidiary of American Electric Power, manages this asset within its service territory in Virginia. Environmentally, the substation's location in Virginia places it within a region with diverse geography, from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Piedmont. Substations like Martinsville are critical for maintaining grid reliability, especially in areas with varying demand from residential, commercial, and industrial users. The facility's operational status ensures continued support for local electricity needs.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in Virginia, a state with a mix of urban and rural landscapes. Its 138 kV voltage level indicates it serves as a distribution substation, likely supplying power to nearby communities and industries. The facility's location near Martinsville, a city in Henry County, places it in a region with moderate population density and some industrial activity, including furniture manufacturing and agriculture. Substations of this type are typically designed with minimal environmental footprint, focusing on grid stability and reliability.
Frequently asked questions
Martinsville Substation is located in Virginia, United States, near the city of Martinsville. Its coordinates are approximately 36.70° N, -79.85° W.
Martinsville Substation operates at 138 kV (138,000 volts), which is a common voltage for sub-transmission and distribution substations in the United States.
Martinsville Substation is owned and operated by Appalachian Power Company, a subsidiary of American Electric Power, which provides electricity to customers in Virginia and West Virginia.
Substations in the United States must comply with NERC reliability standards for grid stability and FERC regulations for interstate transmission. Additionally, state-level utility commissions oversee local distribution.
A 138 kV substation typically steps down voltage from higher transmission lines (e.g., 230 kV or 500 kV) to lower distribution levels (e.g., 34.5 kV or 12.47 kV) for delivery to homes and businesses, ensuring reliable electricity supply.