Overview
Oak Vale Substation is an operational electrical substation in Mississippi, United States, operated by Pearl River Valley Electric Power Association. It operates at 69 kV, serving the local grid.
Oak Vale Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Mississippi, United States. It is owned and operated by Pearl River Valley Electric Power Association, a rural electric cooperative serving parts of Mississippi. The substation operates at a voltage of 69 kV, placing it in the sub-transmission or distribution voltage range typical for regional power distribution. 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. As a 69 kV facility, it is likely part of the distribution network, connecting higher voltage transmission lines to local consumers. The equipment likely includes circuit breakers, transformers, and switchgear conforming to standards such as IEEE C37 for high-voltage switchgear. Oak Vale Substation plays a key role in the local electrical infrastructure, ensuring reliable power delivery to the surrounding rural community. Its operation supports the grid stability of the region, and its maintenance is critical for minimizing outages. The substation's location in Mississippi, a state prone to severe weather, underscores the importance of robust infrastructure for resilience.
Environmental context
The substation is located in a rural area of Mississippi, characterized by forested land and agricultural activity. The local environment is subject to seasonal storms and occasional hurricanes, which can pose risks to overhead power lines and substation equipment. The facility's design likely incorporates measures to withstand such weather events, such as reinforced structures and flood mitigation. The surrounding ecosystem includes wetlands and waterways that may be sensitive to any accidental releases of insulating oils or other contaminants, necessitating proper containment and spill response protocols.
Frequently asked questions
Oak Vale Substation is located in Mississippi, United States, near the coordinates 31.457658, -89.965711. It is operated by Pearl River Valley Electric Power Association.
Oak Vale Substation operates at 69 kV (69,000 volts), which is a common voltage level for sub-transmission and distribution substations in the United States.
Oak Vale Substation is operated by Pearl River Valley Electric Power Association, a rural electric cooperative that provides electricity to parts of Mississippi.
As part of the US electrical grid, Oak Vale Substation must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations. Equipment likely follows IEEE standards such as IEEE C37 for switchgear.
A 69 kV substation typically steps down voltage from higher transmission lines (e.g., 115 kV or 230 kV) to distribution levels for local consumers, or interconnects sub-transmission networks. It is critical for reliable power delivery in rural areas.