Overview
PEPCO Waterfront Substation is an operational electrical substation in Washington, D.C., owned and operated by Potomac Electric Power Company. It operates at 230 kV, serving the city's grid stability.
PEPCO Waterfront Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Washington, D.C., United States. Owned and operated by Potomac Electric Power Company, this facility plays a critical role in the local electrical infrastructure by stepping down transmission-level voltage for distribution. The substation operates at 230 kV, a standard high-voltage level for urban substations, indicating its importance in maintaining reliable power supply to the nation's capital. The substation operates under the regulatory framework of the U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and adheres to North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) reliability standards. As a transmission-level asset, it is subject to mandatory compliance with NERC Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) standards to ensure grid security. The 230 kV voltage level places it in the medium-to-high voltage range, typical for substations serving dense urban areas with high electricity demand. Located in the waterfront area of Washington, D.C., this substation supports the electrical needs of a major metropolitan region, including government buildings, commercial centers, and residential communities. Its operational status ensures grid stability and resilience for the capital, contributing to the overall reliability of the PJM Interconnection, the regional transmission organization that manages the electric grid for the Mid-Atlantic area.
Environmental context
The substation's urban location in Washington, D.C., places it in a densely populated area with high electricity demand. The 230 kV voltage level indicates its role in transmitting power from generation sources to distribution networks, which can influence local electromagnetic fields and land use. The facility's operation is subject to environmental regulations regarding noise, oil containment, and electromagnetic field exposure, typical for urban substations.
Frequently asked questions
PEPCO Waterfront Substation is located in Washington, D.C., United States, near the waterfront area. Its approximate coordinates are 38.870089 N, -77.012924 W.
PEPCO Waterfront Substation operates at 230 kV (230,000 volts), which is a standard high-voltage level for transmission substations serving urban areas.
The substation is owned and operated by Potomac Electric Power Company (PEPCO), a utility serving the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.
As a U.S. transmission asset, the substation must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations, including Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) standards for grid security.
The substation steps down transmission-level voltage for distribution to customers in Washington, D.C., supporting grid stability and reliability within the PJM Interconnection.