Overview
North Blacksburg Substation is an operational 138 kV substation in Virginia, owned and operated by Appalachian Power Company. It plays a key role in regional grid stability and power distribution.
North Blacksburg Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Blacksburg, Virginia, United States. Owned and operated by Appalachian Power Company, the facility operates at a voltage of 138 kV, classifying it as a medium-voltage substation that serves as a critical node in the local transmission and distribution network. The substation operates under the regulatory framework of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), which set reliability standards for the bulk power system. Appalachian Power, a subsidiary of American Electric Power, adheres to these standards to ensure grid stability and security. The 138 kV voltage level is typical for sub-transmission systems that connect larger transmission lines to distribution networks. As part of the Appalachian Power grid, North Blacksburg Substation supports electricity delivery to residential, commercial, and industrial customers in the Blacksburg area, including Virginia Tech. Its operational status contributes to the reliability of the regional power supply, and its location in a growing urban area underscores its importance in meeting local energy demands.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in Blacksburg, Virginia, a town in the Appalachian region with a mix of urban and forested areas. The 138 kV voltage level indicates a medium-scale facility that is likely located near residential or commercial zones to minimize transmission losses. Its operation involves standard environmental considerations such as electromagnetic field management and oil containment for transformers, typical for substations in this region.
Frequently asked questions
North Blacksburg Substation is located in Blacksburg, Virginia, United States, at coordinates 37.277007, -80.380876.
North Blacksburg Substation operates at 138 kV, which is a medium voltage level commonly used for sub-transmission and distribution in the United States.
The substation is owned and operated by Appalachian Power Company, a subsidiary of American Electric Power.
The substation operates under NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations, which govern the reliability and security of the bulk power system in the United States.
A 138 kV substation typically steps down transmission voltage for distribution to local networks, serving as a key node for delivering electricity to residential, commercial, and industrial customers.