Overview
Monocacy SVC Substation is an operational electrical substation in Maryland, United States, owned by Potomac Edison. It operates at 230 kV and 138 kV, serving the regional grid.
Monocacy SVC Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Maryland, United States. Owned by Potomac Edison, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy, the facility plays a key role in the regional transmission network. The substation operates at voltage levels of 230 kV and 138 kV, indicating its function as a high-voltage step-down or switching station. The substation is part of the PJM Interconnection, the largest wholesale electricity market in the United States. It operates under the regulatory framework of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and adheres to North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) reliability standards. The facility likely employs modern switchgear and protection systems to ensure grid stability and safety. As a critical node in the transmission grid, Monocacy SVC Substation supports the delivery of electricity to residential, commercial, and industrial customers in the region. Its location in Maryland, near the Monocacy River, places it in a mixed urban-rural environment where reliable power is essential for local communities and economic activities.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in a region characterized by a mix of agricultural land and suburban development near the Monocacy River. Its operation involves electromagnetic fields and potential oil spill risks from transformers, though modern containment measures are standard. The facility's voltage level and criticality to grid stability necessitate robust environmental management practices.
Frequently asked questions
Monocacy SVC Substation is located in Maryland, United States, near the Monocacy River. Its coordinates are approximately 39.44° N, 77.40° W.
Monocacy SVC Substation operates at 230 kV and 138 kV, making it a high-voltage substation critical for regional transmission.
Monocacy SVC Substation is owned by Potomac Edison, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy, which serves customers in Maryland and surrounding states.
Substations in the United States must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations. For PJM Interconnection, additional grid reliability requirements apply.
Substations transform voltage levels for efficient transmission and distribution, switch circuits for maintenance, and protect the grid from faults. They are essential for grid stability and reliability.