Overview
Prices Fork Substation is an operational electrical substation in Virginia, United States, owned and operated by Appalachian Power Company. It operates at 69 kV, serving the local grid.
Prices Fork Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Virginia, United States. Owned and operated by Appalachian Power Company, the facility operates at a voltage of 69 kV, classifying it as a sub-transmission or distribution-level asset within the regional power grid. The substation falls under the regulatory oversight of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and must comply with North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) reliability standards. As part of the Appalachian Power network, it supports the delivery of electricity to residential, commercial, and industrial customers in the surrounding area. The 69 kV voltage level is typical for distribution substations that step down power from higher transmission voltages. Prices Fork Substation plays a key role in maintaining grid stability and reliability for the local community. Its location in Virginia places it within the PJM Interconnection, one of the largest regional transmission organizations in the United States. The substation's operational status ensures continued service to customers, contributing to the region's electrical infrastructure resilience.
Environmental context
The substation is located in a rural area of Virginia, where the surrounding landscape includes agricultural land and forested areas. Electrical infrastructure at this voltage level typically has a localized environmental footprint, primarily involving land use for the substation footprint and access roads. The facility's operation does not involve emissions or water use, but its presence supports the integration of renewable energy sources and the electrification of rural communities.
Frequently asked questions
Prices Fork Substation is located in Virginia, United States, at coordinates 37.229613, -80.444615. It is owned and operated by Appalachian Power Company.
Prices Fork Substation operates at a voltage of 69 kV (69,000 volts), which is typical for distribution-level substations that supply power to local communities.
Prices Fork Substation is owned and operated by Appalachian Power Company, a subsidiary of American Electric Power that serves customers in Virginia and West Virginia.
Substations in the United States must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations. For 69 kV facilities, standards such as NERC CIP for cybersecurity and NERC PRC for protection systems are relevant.
A 69 kV substation typically steps down voltage from higher transmission levels (e.g., 138 kV or 230 kV) for distribution to residential, commercial, and industrial customers. It also provides switching and protection functions to maintain grid reliability.