Overview
McMinnville Substation is an operational 115 kV substation in Oregon, owned and operated by the Bonneville Power Administration. It plays a key role in the regional electrical grid.
McMinnville Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Oregon, United States. Owned and operated by the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), it operates at a voltage of 115 kV, placing it within the sub-transmission to transmission voltage range typical for regional power distribution. As a BPA asset, the substation operates under the regulatory framework of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). BPA is a federal agency responsible for marketing wholesale electrical power and maintaining the high-voltage transmission system in the Pacific Northwest. The substation likely incorporates standard substation automation and protection systems, including those based on IEC 61850 standards. The substation serves the McMinnville area, supporting local grid stability and reliability. Its location in a rural-urban interface area underscores its importance in connecting generation sources to load centers. The facility contributes to the resilience of the regional electrical infrastructure, particularly given the Pacific Northwest's reliance on hydropower and the need for robust transmission assets.
Environmental context
The McMinnville Substation is situated in the Willamette Valley, a region characterized by agricultural land and growing urban centers. The substation's 115 kV voltage level indicates it serves as a critical node for distributing power to local communities and industries. Its operation aligns with BPA's environmental stewardship practices, including measures to minimize impacts on local ecosystems and comply with environmental regulations. The facility's location away from sensitive habitats reduces potential ecological disruption.
Frequently asked questions
McMinnville Substation is located in Oregon, United States, near the city of McMinnville. Its coordinates are approximately 45.2123° N, -123.1808° W.
McMinnville Substation operates at a voltage of 115 kV, which is typical for sub-transmission and transmission-level substations in the United States.
McMinnville Substation is owned and operated by the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), a federal agency that manages the high-voltage transmission system in the Pacific Northwest.
As part of the BPA system, McMinnville Substation must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations. It also likely adheres to IEC 61850 standards for substation automation.
McMinnville Substation serves as a key node in the regional transmission network, distributing power from BPA's high-voltage lines to local distribution systems and ensuring reliable electricity supply to the McMinnville area.