Overview
Possum Point Substation is an operational electrical substation in Virginia, United States, owned by Virginia Electric & Power Company. It operates at 230 kV and 115 kV voltage levels, serving the regional grid.
Possum Point Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Virginia, United States. Owned by Virginia Electric & Power Company, the facility is a key node in the regional transmission network, stepping down high-voltage electricity for distribution. The substation's voltage levels of 230 kV and 115 kV indicate its role in both bulk power transmission and sub-transmission, typical for facilities serving mixed urban and rural loads. 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 the U.S. bulk power system. As part of the PJM Interconnection, the facility must comply with grid reliability and market rules. Possum Point Substation plays a critical role in maintaining grid stability in the Virginia region, supporting residential, commercial, and industrial customers. Its location near the Potomac River and proximity to the Possum Point Power Station suggests integration with local generation assets. The facility's operational status ensures continued reliability of electricity supply in the area.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in a region with a mix of suburban and natural landscapes, near the Potomac River. Electrical infrastructure of this scale can have localized environmental impacts, including electromagnetic fields and land use for transmission corridors. The facility's voltage levels and operational status indicate it is part of a robust grid, but aging equipment could pose risks of oil leaks or SF6 emissions. Regulatory oversight under NERC and FERC ensures adherence to environmental standards.
Frequently asked questions
Possum Point Substation is located in Virginia, United States, near the Potomac River at coordinates 38.540506, -77.279425.
The substation operates at 230 kV and 115 kV, serving both transmission and sub-transmission functions.
The substation is owned by Virginia Electric & Power Company, a subsidiary of Dominion Energy.
As part of the U.S. bulk power system, the substation must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations, as well as PJM Interconnection rules.
Substations like Possum Point step down high-voltage electricity from transmission lines to lower voltages for distribution, ensuring reliable power delivery to homes and businesses.