Overview
Roundtable Substation is an operational electrical substation in Virginia, United States, owned and operated by Virginia Electric & Power Company. It operates at 230 kV, serving as a key node in the regional transmission grid.
Roundtable Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Virginia, United States. Owned and operated by Virginia Electric & Power Company (a Dominion Energy subsidiary), it plays a critical role in the state's high-voltage transmission network. The facility is part of the broader PJM Interconnection grid, which coordinates electricity movement across 13 states and the District of Columbia. The substation operates at 230 kV, a standard transmission voltage level in the United States, indicating its role in bulk power transfer rather than local distribution. As a transmission-level asset, it falls under the regulatory oversight of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and must comply with North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) reliability standards. These standards ensure grid stability, cybersecurity, and maintenance protocols for critical infrastructure. Roundtable Substation supports the electrical needs of northern Virginia, a region with high population density and significant commercial and data center loads. Its strategic location near major load centers enhances grid reliability and resilience. The facility's operational status and adherence to NERC standards contribute to the stability of the regional power supply, benefiting residential, commercial, and industrial consumers.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in a region with a mix of suburban and rural land uses, near the Potomac River watershed. Its operation involves electromagnetic fields and potential impacts on local wildlife, though modern substations are designed to minimize environmental disturbance. The 230 kV voltage level indicates a moderate footprint, with typical mitigation measures including oil containment systems for transformers and noise barriers. The facility's location in a temperate climate zone means it is subject to seasonal weather variations, which can affect grid operations and maintenance schedules.
Frequently asked questions
Roundtable Substation is located in Virginia, United States, at coordinates 39.005251, -77.466810. It is part of the PJM Interconnection grid and serves the northern Virginia region.
Roundtable Substation operates at 230 kV (230,000 volts), which is a standard transmission voltage level in the United States. This voltage level is used for bulk power transfer over long distances.
Roundtable Substation is owned and operated by Virginia Electric & Power Company, a subsidiary of Dominion Energy. Dominion Energy is a major utility in the region, providing electricity to millions of customers.
As a transmission-level substation in the United States, Roundtable Substation must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations. These standards cover grid reliability, cybersecurity, and equipment maintenance to ensure stable power delivery.
Roundtable Substation serves as a node in the high-voltage transmission network, stepping down voltage from higher levels or interconnecting transmission lines. It helps distribute power to local distribution substations and large industrial customers, supporting grid reliability in northern Virginia.