Popes Head Substation - Operational 34.5 kV Electrical Substation in the United States

Popes Head Substation is an operational electrical substation located in the United States, with coordinates 38.811199, -77.386639. The facility operates at a voltage of 34.5 kV, classifying it as a medium-voltage substation typical of distribution-level infrastructure. As part of the U.S. electrical grid, it supports local power distribution and grid reliability. The substation operates under the regulatory framework of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), which set standards for grid reliability and transmission. The 34.5 kV voltage level is common for sub-transmission or distribution networks, connecting bulk power systems to end users. The facility's operational status indicates it is actively contributing to the electrical infrastructure. Environmentally, the substation's location in a suburban or rural area of Virginia influences its role in serving local communities. Substations like Popes Head are critical for voltage regulation and load balancing, minimizing transmission losses and enhancing grid efficiency.

The substation is situated in a region with mixed urban and natural landscapes, typical of Northern Virginia. Its operation involves electromagnetic fields and potential noise, but modern substations are designed to mitigate environmental impacts. The facility supports grid stability, reducing the need for long-distance transmission and associated losses.