Overview
Piney Point Substation is an operational electrical substation in Maryland, United States, owned and operated by Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative. It operates at voltage levels of 69 kV and 12.47 kV.
Piney Point Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Maryland, United States. Owned and operated by Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative (SMECO), it serves as a key node in the regional distribution network, stepping down transmission voltage to distribution levels for local communities. The substation operates at two voltage levels: 69 kV (transmission) and 12.47 kV (distribution), typical for a medium-voltage substation serving rural and suburban areas. As part of SMECO's infrastructure, it adheres to North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) reliability standards and is subject to Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) oversight for interconnection and reliability. The facility's design likely incorporates standard substation automation protocols such as IEC 61850 for monitoring and control. Piney Point Substation plays a critical role in maintaining grid stability for the surrounding region, including residential, commercial, and agricultural customers. Its location near the Potomac River and Chesapeake Bay area underscores the importance of reliable electricity supply for coastal communities. The substation's operational status ensures continued service to SMECO's member-owners, supporting local economic activity and quality of life.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in a coastal area of Maryland, near the Potomac River and Chesapeake Bay, which are ecologically sensitive regions. Electrical infrastructure in such areas must consider storm surge and flooding risks, particularly from hurricanes and nor'easters. The facility's design likely includes elevated equipment and flood mitigation measures to ensure resilience. Additionally, the substation's operation supports the integration of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, which are increasingly deployed in the region to meet state renewable portfolio standards.
Frequently asked questions
Piney Point Substation is located in Maryland, United States, near the Potomac River and Chesapeake Bay area. Its coordinates are approximately 38.156261 N, -76.521391 W.
Piney Point Substation operates at two voltage levels: 69 kV (transmission) and 12.47 kV (distribution), typical for a medium-voltage substation.
Piney Point Substation is owned and operated by Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative (SMECO), a member-owned electric cooperative serving southern Maryland.
As part of the U.S. electrical grid, Piney Point Substation must comply with NERC reliability standards for bulk power system operation and FERC regulations for transmission interconnection.
Substations like Piney Point step down high-voltage transmission electricity to lower distribution voltages for safe delivery to homes and businesses. They also provide switching, protection, and monitoring functions to ensure grid stability.