Overview
Saint Leonard Substation is an operational electrical substation in Maryland, United States, operated by Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative. It handles voltages of 69 kV and 12.47 kV.
Saint Leonard Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Saint Leonard, Maryland, United States. It is owned and operated by Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative (SMECO), a member-owned electric cooperative serving Southern Maryland. The substation operates at voltage levels of 69 kV and 12.47 kV, indicating it serves both transmission and distribution functions within the local grid. The substation operates under the regulatory framework of the United States, which includes reliability standards set by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and oversight by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for transmission-level assets. As part of SMECO's network, it is subject to state-level regulation by the Maryland Public Service Commission. The dual voltage levels suggest the substation steps down power from the transmission system to distribution levels for local delivery. Saint Leonard Substation plays a critical role in providing reliable electricity to the surrounding community in Calvert County. Its location in a rural area of Southern Maryland supports residential, commercial, and agricultural customers. The substation's operational status ensures grid stability and power quality for the region, contributing to the overall resilience of the local electrical infrastructure.
Environmental context
The substation is located in a rural area of Southern Maryland, characterized by mixed forest and agricultural land. The local environment is influenced by the nearby Chesapeake Bay, which supports diverse ecosystems. Electrical infrastructure in such settings must balance reliability with environmental stewardship, including considerations for electromagnetic fields, noise, and visual impact. The substation's design and operation likely incorporate standard mitigation measures to minimize ecological disruption.
Frequently asked questions
Saint Leonard Substation is located in Saint Leonard, Maryland, United States, at coordinates 38.461563, -76.498012.
Saint Leonard Substation is owned and operated by Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative (SMECO), a member-owned electric cooperative serving Southern Maryland.
Saint Leonard Substation handles two voltage levels: 69 kV (transmission) and 12.47 kV (distribution), indicating it serves as a step-down substation.
Substations in the United States must comply with NERC reliability standards for transmission assets and FERC regulations. State-level public utility commissions also oversee distribution infrastructure.
Substations like Saint Leonard step down high-voltage electricity from transmission lines to lower voltages suitable for distribution to homes and businesses, ensuring safe and reliable power delivery.