Overview
Redstone #3 Substation is an operational electrical substation in Huntsville, Alabama, owned and operated by Huntsville Utilities. It operates at 161 kV, serving the local grid.
Redstone #3 Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Huntsville, Alabama, United States. Owned and operated by Huntsville Utilities, it is a key node in the local electrical infrastructure, stepping down transmission-level voltage for distribution to residential, commercial, and industrial customers in the Huntsville area. The substation operates at a voltage of 161 kV, which is typical for sub-transmission or high-voltage distribution in the United States. As part of the Huntsville Utilities system, it falls under the regulatory oversight of the Alabama Public Service Commission and must comply with NERC reliability standards for grid stability. The facility likely employs modern switchgear and protection systems to ensure safe and reliable operation. Located near the Redstone Arsenal military base, this substation supports critical infrastructure and community services in a region with a strong aerospace and defense industry. Its role in the local grid is essential for maintaining power quality and reliability for both residential and industrial users, contributing to the economic vitality of the Huntsville metropolitan area.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in an urban-industrial area near Redstone Arsenal, a major U.S. Army base. The local environment is characterized by mixed residential and commercial development, with proximity to sensitive ecosystems such as the Tennessee River watershed. Electrical infrastructure like this substation must manage electromagnetic fields and potential oil spill risks from transformers, though modern designs minimize environmental impact. The 161 kV voltage level indicates a significant role in regional power distribution, with associated land use and visual considerations.
Frequently asked questions
Redstone #3 Substation is located in Huntsville, Alabama, United States, near the Redstone Arsenal military base.
Redstone #3 Substation operates at 161 kV, which is a common sub-transmission voltage level in the United States.
Redstone #3 Substation is owned and operated by Huntsville Utilities, a municipal utility serving the Huntsville area.
In the United States, substations must comply with NERC reliability standards for grid stability and are regulated by state public service commissions, such as the Alabama Public Service Commission.
Redstone #3 Substation steps down transmission-level voltage for distribution to residential, commercial, and industrial customers, supporting critical infrastructure including the nearby Redstone Arsenal.