Overview
Opossum Creek Substation is an operational electrical substation in Virginia, United States, owned and operated by Appalachian Power Company. It operates at 138 kV, serving the regional grid.
Opossum Creek Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Virginia, United States. Owned and operated by Appalachian Power Company, the facility plays a key role in the regional transmission network. With a voltage level of 138 kV, it is classified as a sub-transmission or distribution substation, typical for serving local communities and industrial areas. The substation operates under the regulatory framework of the United States, which includes NERC reliability standards and FERC oversight for transmission-level assets. As part of the Appalachian Power grid, it is subject to state-level utility regulations in Virginia. The 138 kV voltage level is common for regional power distribution, connecting higher-voltage transmission lines to lower-voltage distribution networks. Opossum Creek Substation contributes to grid stability and electricity supply in the surrounding area. Its location in Virginia places it within a region with diverse energy needs, including residential, commercial, and industrial customers. The facility's operational status ensures continued support for local power distribution and reliability.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in a rural or semi-rural area of Virginia, near Opossum Creek. The local environment includes forested and agricultural land, with potential ecological sensitivity due to nearby water bodies. Substations of this type typically have minimal direct environmental impact, though they require vegetation management and may involve transformer oil containment measures to prevent soil and water contamination.
Frequently asked questions
Opossum Creek Substation is located in Virginia, United States, near Opossum Creek. The exact coordinates are 37.372969 N, -79.107434 W.
Opossum Creek Substation operates at 138 kV, which is a common voltage for sub-transmission and distribution substations in the United States.
Opossum Creek Substation is owned and operated by Appalachian Power Company, a subsidiary of American Electric Power.
Substations in the United States must comply with NERC reliability standards for grid stability and FERC regulations for transmission assets. State-level utility commissions also oversee operations.
A 138 kV substation typically steps down voltage from higher transmission lines (e.g., 230 kV or 500 kV) for distribution to local networks, serving residential, commercial, and industrial customers.