Overview
Saint James Substation is an operational electrical substation in Maryland, United States, owned by Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative. It operates at 69 kV and 12.47 kV, serving local grid stability.
Saint James Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Maryland, United States, owned and operated by Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative. As a substation, it plays a critical role in voltage transformation and distribution within the regional power grid, serving residential, commercial, and industrial customers in the area. The substation operates at voltage levels of 69 kV and 12.47 kV, indicating its function in stepping down transmission-level voltage to distribution-level voltage for local consumption. The facility is part of the broader U.S. electrical infrastructure, which is regulated by NERC reliability standards and FERC oversight for transmission assets. In Maryland, utilities like Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative adhere to state-level public service commission regulations to ensure grid reliability and safety. As a key node in the distribution network, Saint James Substation supports the electrical needs of the surrounding community, contributing to grid resilience and energy access. Its operational status ensures continued service to customers, and its location in a rural-urban interface area highlights its importance in balancing load demands and maintaining voltage stability.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in a mixed rural-urban area of Maryland, where electrical infrastructure must balance reliability with environmental considerations such as land use and wildlife corridors. The voltage levels (69 kV and 12.47 kV) indicate moderate-scale equipment, which typically has lower visual and ecological impact compared to high-voltage transmission lines. Proximity to residential areas necessitates adherence to noise and electromagnetic field guidelines.
Frequently asked questions
Saint James Substation is located in Maryland, United States, at coordinates 38.189830, -76.391429. It is owned and operated by Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative.
Saint James Substation operates at 69 kV and 12.47 kV, serving as a step-down substation from transmission to distribution voltage.
Saint James Substation is owned by Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative, a member-owned utility serving southern Maryland.
Substations in the U.S. are subject to NERC reliability standards for grid stability and FERC regulation for transmission-level assets. State public utility commissions also oversee distribution-level operations.
Substations transform voltage levels, switch circuits, and protect the grid. Saint James Substation steps down high transmission voltage to lower distribution voltage for local use, ensuring reliable power delivery.