Overview
Princeville Substation is an operational electrical substation in Hawaii, United States, owned by Kauai Island Utility Cooperative. It operates at voltage levels of 57.1 kV and 12.47 kV, serving the local grid.
Princeville Substation is an operational electrical substation located on the island of Kauai, Hawaii, United States. Owned by Kauai Island Utility Cooperative, it plays a key role in distributing electricity to the Princeville area and surrounding communities. The substation operates at voltage levels of 57.1 kV and 12.47 kV, typical for a medium-voltage distribution substation. As part of the U.S. electrical infrastructure, this facility operates under the regulatory framework established by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and adheres to North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) reliability standards. The substation's equipment likely includes switchgear, transformers, and protection systems compliant with IEEE standards, ensuring safe and reliable power distribution. Located in a rural coastal area of Kauai, the substation supports the island's electrical grid, which is isolated from mainland interconnections. Its operation is critical for maintaining power supply to residential, commercial, and agricultural customers in the region. The cooperative ownership model reflects a community-focused approach to utility management.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in a tropical coastal environment on Kauai, where high humidity and salt spray from the Pacific Ocean can accelerate corrosion of electrical equipment. The facility's design likely incorporates corrosion-resistant materials and regular maintenance to mitigate these effects. Its location in a rural area with sensitive ecosystems requires careful management of potential environmental impacts, such as oil spills from transformers or electromagnetic field effects.
Frequently asked questions
Princeville Substation is located on the island of Kauai in Hawaii, United States, near the community of Princeville. Its coordinates are approximately 22.2115 N, 159.4749 W.
Princeville Substation operates at voltage levels of 57.1 kV and 12.47 kV, which are typical for a distribution substation that steps down transmission voltage for local distribution.
Princeville Substation is owned by Kauai Island Utility Cooperative, a member-owned electric utility serving the island of Kauai.
Substations in the United States must comply with NERC reliability standards for grid stability and FERC regulations for interstate transmission. Additionally, IEEE standards such as IEEE C37 for switchgear are commonly followed.
Substations like Princeville are critical nodes in the electrical grid that transform voltage levels and route power to distribution networks. They ensure reliable electricity supply to homes and businesses by managing load and protecting the system from faults.