Overview
Ridgeway Substation is an operational electrical substation in Virginia, United States, owned and operated by Appalachian Power Company. It handles multiple voltage levels including 138 kV, 69 kV, 34.5 kV, and 13.09 kV.
Ridgeway Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Virginia, United States. It is owned and operated by Appalachian Power Company, a subsidiary of American Electric Power, serving the regional grid. The substation handles multiple voltage levels, including 138 kV, 69 kV, 34.5 kV, and 13.09 kV, indicating its role in both transmission and distribution. The substation operates under the regulatory framework of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), ensuring grid reliability and compliance with mandatory standards. As part of the Appalachian Power network, it supports electricity delivery to residential, commercial, and industrial customers in the region. The facility's voltage levels suggest it serves as a step-down point from high-voltage transmission to lower-voltage distribution. Ridgeway Substation plays a critical role in maintaining grid stability in the area, particularly given its location in a region with varied topography and potential weather-related challenges. Its operational status and integration into the broader Appalachian Power system contribute to reliable electricity supply for local communities and industries.
Environmental context
The substation is located in a region characterized by mixed forest and rural residential areas, with proximity to the Smith River. Its operation involves electromagnetic fields and potential oil containment from transformers, managed under environmental regulations. The site's location away from dense urban centers reduces some environmental pressures, but its role in power distribution supports local energy needs.
Frequently asked questions
Ridgeway Substation is located in Virginia, United States, near the town of Ridgeway. Its coordinates are approximately 36.5865° N, -79.8388° W.
Ridgeway Substation handles multiple voltage levels: 138 kV, 69 kV, 34.5 kV, and 13.09 kV, indicating its role in both transmission and distribution.
Ridgeway Substation is owned and operated by Appalachian Power Company, a subsidiary of American Electric Power.
As part of the US electrical grid, Ridgeway Substation operates under NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations, ensuring grid stability and compliance.
Substations like Ridgeway step down high-voltage transmission power to lower voltages for distribution, and also provide switching, protection, and monitoring functions to maintain grid reliability.