Overview
Piney Road Substation is an operational electrical substation in Lee County, Florida, operated by Lee County Electric Cooperative. It handles voltages of 138 kV and 13 kV, serving the local grid.
Piney Road Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Lee County, Florida, United States. Owned and operated by Lee County Electric Cooperative, the facility plays a key role in distributing electricity within the region. The substation handles primary transmission voltage of 138 kV and secondary distribution voltage of 13 kV, indicating it serves as a step-down point from high-voltage transmission lines to local distribution networks. Operating under the regulatory framework of the United States, the substation adheres to standards set by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) for grid reliability and is subject to Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) oversight for transmission-level assets. The facility's voltage levels are typical for a medium-to-large substation supporting both industrial and residential loads in a growing area like Southwest Florida. The substation is critical for maintaining grid stability in Lee County, which experiences high demand due to population growth and seasonal tourism. Its location near urban and suburban areas ensures reliable power delivery to homes and businesses. The cooperative ownership model emphasizes local accountability and community-focused service.
Environmental context
Located in a subtropical climate zone, the substation must withstand hurricane-force winds and heavy rainfall, common in Florida. The surrounding area includes wetlands and estuaries, requiring careful management of stormwater runoff and potential oil spills from transformers. The facility's design likely incorporates flood mitigation measures and wildlife protection protocols to minimize ecological impact.
Frequently asked questions
Piney Road Substation is located in Lee County, Florida, United States, near coordinates 26.6686 N, -81.8898 W.
The substation handles primary transmission voltage of 138 kV and secondary distribution voltage of 13 kV, typical for a step-down substation.
The substation is owned and operated by Lee County Electric Cooperative, a member-owned utility serving Southwest Florida.
As part of the US electrical grid, the substation must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations for transmission-level assets.
Substations like Piney Road step down high-voltage electricity from transmission lines to lower voltages for distribution to homes and businesses, ensuring grid stability and reliable power supply.