Overview
Pinery Ridge Substation is an operational electrical substation in Pennsylvania, United States, operated by Valley Rural Electric Cooperative. It operates at 46 kV voltage level.
Pinery Ridge Substation is an electrical substation located in Pennsylvania, United States, operated by Valley Rural Electric Cooperative. The facility is operational and serves as a node in the regional power distribution network, stepping down transmission voltages for local distribution. The substation operates at a voltage of 46 kV, which is typical for sub-transmission or primary distribution levels in the United States. As part of the Valley Rural Electric Cooperative system, it is subject to reliability standards set by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for wholesale electricity markets. The cooperative model ensures member-focused service and compliance with rural electrification requirements. The substation plays a key role in delivering reliable electricity to rural and suburban communities in central Pennsylvania. Its location near agricultural and residential areas underscores its importance for local grid stability and economic activity. The facility contributes to the resilience of the regional power infrastructure, supporting both residential and commercial customers.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in a rural area of Pennsylvania, characterized by rolling hills and agricultural land. Its operation involves electromagnetic fields and potential oil spill risks from transformers, though modern substations are designed with containment measures. The surrounding environment includes farmland and scattered residential developments, making the substation's footprint relatively low-impact compared to industrial sites.
Frequently asked questions
Pinery Ridge Substation is located in Pennsylvania, United States, near coordinates 40.454729, -78.046317. It is operated by Valley Rural Electric Cooperative.
Pinery Ridge Substation operates at a voltage of 46 kV (kilovolts), which is typical for sub-transmission or primary distribution in the United States.
Pinery Ridge Substation is operated by Valley Rural Electric Cooperative, a member-owned utility serving rural areas in Pennsylvania.
Substations in the United States must comply with NERC reliability standards for grid stability and FERC regulations for wholesale electricity. Valley Rural Electric Cooperative also adheres to state-level public utility commission rules.
Substations transform voltage levels between transmission and distribution networks, enabling efficient power delivery. They also provide switching, protection, and monitoring functions to ensure grid reliability.