Overview
Ryceville Substation is an operational electrical substation in Maryland, United States, owned and operated by Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative. It operates at voltages of 69 kV and 12.47 kV.
Ryceville Substation is an electrical substation located in Maryland, United States, and is owned and operated by Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative. The facility is operational and serves as a key node in the local distribution grid, stepping down transmission-level voltage for residential and commercial use. The substation operates at two voltage levels: 69 kV for transmission and 12.47 kV for distribution, which is typical for a medium-voltage substation serving a rural or suburban area. As part of the U.S. electrical infrastructure, it falls under the reliability standards set by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and is subject to state-level regulation by the Maryland Public Service Commission. Ryceville Substation plays a critical role in ensuring reliable electricity supply to the Southern Maryland region. Its location in a rural area underscores its importance for grid stability and community service, supporting local homes, farms, and businesses. The facility's operational status and integration with the broader PJM Interconnection grid highlight its contribution to regional energy resilience.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in a rural area of Maryland, where the surrounding environment includes mixed forest and agricultural land. Electrical infrastructure in such settings typically requires careful siting to minimize visual impact and avoid sensitive habitats. The 69 kV and 12.47 kV lines are often carried on wooden poles, which have a lower environmental footprint than larger transmission towers. The facility's operation is subject to environmental regulations regarding electromagnetic fields and stormwater management.
Frequently asked questions
Ryceville Substation is located in Maryland, United States, at coordinates 38.435775, -76.824794. It is owned and operated by Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative.
Ryceville Substation operates at two voltage levels: 69 kV for transmission and 12.47 kV for distribution. This configuration is typical for a substation that steps down high-voltage power for local distribution.
Ryceville Substation is owned and operated by Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative (SMECO), a member-owned electric cooperative serving Southern Maryland.
Substations in the United States must comply with NERC reliability standards for grid stability and FERC regulations for transmission-level assets. State-level oversight is provided by the Maryland Public Service Commission.
Ryceville Substation serves as a distribution substation, converting high-voltage transmission power (69 kV) to lower voltages (12.47 kV) for delivery to homes, farms, and businesses in the Southern Maryland region.