Overview
North Alvernon Substation is an operational electrical substation in Tucson, Arizona, owned and operated by Tucson Electric Power. It operates at 46 kV and 4.16 kV, serving the local grid.
North Alvernon Substation is an electrical substation located in Tucson, Arizona, United States. Owned and operated by Tucson Electric Power, the facility is currently operational and plays a role in the regional power distribution network. The substation operates at voltage levels of 46 kV and 4.16 kV, indicating its function in stepping down transmission-level power for local distribution. As part of the U.S. electrical infrastructure, this substation operates under the regulatory framework established by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and adheres to North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) reliability standards. Tucson Electric Power, a subsidiary of Fortis Inc., serves over 400,000 customers in southern Arizona, and substations like North Alvernon are critical for maintaining grid stability and reliability in the Tucson metropolitan area. The substation's location in an urban setting underscores its importance for delivering electricity to residential, commercial, and industrial customers. Its operational status and voltage levels suggest it is a medium-scale facility that supports the local distribution network, contributing to the overall resilience of the regional power grid.
Environmental context
Located in the Sonoran Desert, the substation operates in a hot, arid climate with high summer temperatures that can increase electricity demand for cooling. The facility's urban setting in Tucson means it is subject to local land use regulations and may be designed to minimize visual and environmental impact. As part of the electrical grid, it supports the integration of renewable energy sources, such as solar power, which is abundant in the region.
Frequently asked questions
North Alvernon Substation is located in Tucson, Arizona, United States, at coordinates 32.238628, -110.909408.
The substation is owned and operated by Tucson Electric Power, a utility company serving southern Arizona.
The substation operates at 46 kV and 4.16 kV, typical for distribution-level substations stepping down transmission voltage for local use.
U.S. substations must comply with NERC reliability standards for grid stability and FERC regulations for transmission-level assets, along with local utility requirements.
As part of Tucson Electric Power's network, it helps distribute electricity to residential, commercial, and industrial customers in the Tucson area, supporting grid reliability.