Overview
Poe Substation is an operational electrical substation in Virginia, United States, owned by Virginia Electric and Power Company. It operates at 230 kV and 115 kV voltage levels, serving the regional grid.
Poe Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Virginia, United States. Owned and operated by Virginia Electric and Power Company, the facility plays a key role in the regional transmission network, handling voltages of 230 kV and 115 kV. As a medium-to-high voltage substation, it is integral to stepping down power from transmission lines to distribution levels for local communities. The substation operates under the regulatory framework of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), which enforce reliability standards for bulk power systems. The facility's dual voltage levels suggest it serves both transmission and sub-transmission functions, typical for substations supporting urban and industrial loads in the Mid-Atlantic region. The equipment likely includes modern switchgear and protection systems compliant with NERC Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) standards. Poe Substation contributes to grid stability and reliability in Virginia, a state with growing electricity demand from data centers and industrial sectors. Its location near the I-95 corridor underscores its importance in maintaining power flow to critical infrastructure. The facility's operational status ensures continued support for the regional economy and residential customers.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in a region with a temperate climate, where seasonal storms and occasional hurricanes can pose risks to overhead transmission lines. The facility's design likely includes measures to mitigate wildlife interactions, such as bird guards on buswork, and storm resilience features. The surrounding area is a mix of suburban and rural land, with the substation footprint managed to minimize habitat disruption.
Frequently asked questions
Poe Substation is located in Virginia, United States, at coordinates 37.200009, -77.359122. It is owned and operated by Virginia Electric and Power Company.
Poe Substation operates at 230 kV and 115 kV, making it a medium-to-high voltage substation that connects transmission and sub-transmission networks.
Poe Substation is regulated by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), which enforce reliability and security standards for the U.S. bulk power system.
Substations like Poe step down high-voltage electricity from transmission lines to lower voltages for distribution, and also provide switching, protection, and monitoring functions to ensure grid stability.
Substations in Virginia must manage stormwater runoff, prevent oil spills from transformers, and minimize impacts on local wildlife. They are often designed with containment systems and wildlife protection measures.