Overview
New Tucson Substation is an operational electrical substation in Arizona, United States, operated by Southwest Transmission Cooperative. It handles voltages of 230 kV and 24.9 kV, serving the regional power grid.
New Tucson Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Arizona, United States, owned and operated by Southwest Transmission Cooperative. As a substation, it plays a critical role in voltage transformation and power distribution within the regional grid, handling high-voltage transmission (230 kV) and medium-voltage distribution (24.9 kV). The facility operates under the regulatory framework of the United States, which includes reliability standards set by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and oversight by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for transmission-level assets. The substation's dual voltage levels indicate its function as a step-down point, connecting bulk transmission to local distribution networks. New Tucson Substation supports the electrical infrastructure of the Tucson area, contributing to grid stability and reliability for residential, commercial, and industrial consumers. Its location in the southwestern United States places it in a region with growing energy demand and significant renewable energy integration, underscoring its importance in maintaining a balanced and resilient power system.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in the Sonoran Desert near Tucson, Arizona, an arid region with high solar insolation and significant renewable energy development. The facility's role in voltage regulation and grid stability is critical for integrating variable renewable sources like solar power. Its location in a semi-urban area requires careful management of electromagnetic fields and visual impact, though no specific environmental designations are confirmed.
Frequently asked questions
New Tucson Substation is located in Arizona, United States, near Tucson. Its approximate coordinates are 31.99° N, -110.71° W.
New Tucson Substation operates at two voltage levels: 230,000 volts (230 kV) for transmission and 24,900 volts (24.9 kV) for distribution.
New Tucson Substation is owned and operated by Southwest Transmission Cooperative, a utility cooperative serving the southwestern United States.
Substations in the United States must comply with NERC reliability standards for grid stability and FERC regulations for transmission assets. Equipment often follows IEEE and ANSI standards.
Substations transform voltage levels, switch circuits, and protect the grid. New Tucson Substation steps down high transmission voltage to distribution levels for local use, ensuring reliable power delivery.