Overview
Sahuarita Substation is an operational electrical substation in Arizona, United States, owned by Southwest Transmission Cooperative. It handles voltages of 230 kV and 24.9 kV, supporting regional grid stability.
Sahuarita Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Arizona, United States. Owned and operated by Southwest Transmission Cooperative, the facility plays a key role in the regional power distribution network, stepping down high-voltage transmission lines to lower voltages for local distribution. The substation operates at two voltage levels: 230,000 volts (230 kV) for transmission and 24,900 volts (24.9 kV) for sub-transmission or distribution. This dual-voltage configuration is typical for substations that serve both bulk power transfer and local load centers. As part of the U.S. grid, the facility adheres to North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) reliability standards and is subject to Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) oversight for transmission-level assets. Located in a semi-arid region of Arizona, the substation supports the growing energy demands of the Sahuarita area and surrounding communities. Its strategic position within the Southwest Transmission Cooperative network enhances grid resilience and facilitates the integration of renewable energy sources, contributing to the region's electrical infrastructure reliability.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in the Sonoran Desert region of Arizona, characterized by hot summers and mild winters. The area's low rainfall and high solar insolation make it suitable for solar energy generation, which may be integrated through this substation. The facility's location in a developing suburban area requires careful management of electromagnetic fields and noise to minimize impact on nearby residential zones.
Frequently asked questions
Sahuarita Substation is located in Arizona, United States, near the town of Sahuarita. Its coordinates are approximately 31.971652 N, -110.928424 W.
Sahuarita Substation operates at two voltage levels: 230,000 volts (230 kV) for transmission and 24,900 volts (24.9 kV) for distribution or sub-transmission.
Sahuarita Substation is owned by Southwest Transmission Cooperative, a utility cooperative that manages transmission infrastructure in the southwestern United States.
Substations in the United States must comply with NERC reliability standards for grid stability and FERC regulations for transmission assets. Additionally, substation automation often follows the IEC 61850 standard.
Substations like Sahuarita transform voltage levels to facilitate efficient power transmission and distribution. They also provide switching, protection, and monitoring functions to ensure grid reliability and safety.