Overview
Newport News Substation is an operational electrical substation in Virginia, United States, owned by Virginia Electric and Power Company. It operates at 230 kV and 115 kV voltage levels, serving the local grid.
Newport News Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Virginia, United States. Owned by Virginia Electric and Power Company (a Dominion Energy subsidiary), it plays a key role in the regional transmission network. The facility is classified as a substation, a critical node for voltage transformation and grid stability. The substation operates at dual voltage levels of 230 kV and 115 kV, indicating its role in both high-voltage transmission and sub-transmission. As part of the U.S. electrical infrastructure, it falls under the regulatory oversight of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and must comply with North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) reliability standards. The facility's location in Virginia places it within the PJM Interconnection, a regional transmission organization that coordinates wholesale electricity markets and grid reliability. Newport News Substation serves the electrical needs of the Hampton Roads region, supporting residential, commercial, and industrial consumers. Its dual-voltage configuration enhances grid flexibility and reliability. The substation's operational status and ownership by a major utility underscore its importance in maintaining stable electricity supply in the area.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in an urbanized area near Newport News, Virginia, a coastal city with a mix of industrial, residential, and port activities. Electrical infrastructure in such settings must consider proximity to sensitive ecosystems like the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Modern substations typically incorporate oil containment and leak detection to mitigate impacts. The urban location also requires careful management of electromagnetic fields and noise.
Frequently asked questions
Newport News Substation is located in Virginia, United States, near the city of Newport News. Its coordinates are approximately 36.986563° N, -76.430447° W.
Newport News Substation operates at two voltage levels: 230 kV and 115 kV. These dual voltages allow it to serve both high-voltage transmission and sub-transmission functions.
The substation is owned by Virginia Electric and Power Company, a subsidiary of Dominion Energy. The operator is also Virginia Electric and Power Company.
Substations in the U.S. must comply with NERC reliability standards for grid stability and FERC regulations for transmission. Additionally, they follow IEEE and ISO/IEC 61850 standards for automation and communication.
Newport News Substation is part of the PJM Interconnection, the regional transmission organization. It helps distribute electricity to the Hampton Roads area, supporting residential, commercial, and industrial customers.