Overview
Shellhorn Substation is an operational electrical substation in Virginia, United States, owned and operated by Virginia Electric & Power Company. It handles voltages of 230 kV and 34.5 kV, serving the regional power grid.
Shellhorn Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Virginia, United States. Owned and operated by Virginia Electric & Power Company, a subsidiary of Dominion Energy, the facility plays a key role in the regional transmission and distribution network. The substation handles voltages of 230 kV and 34.5 kV, indicating its function in stepping down high-voltage transmission power for local distribution. The substation operates under the regulatory framework of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), which set reliability standards for the bulk power system. As part of the PJM Interconnection, the facility must comply with grid reliability and market rules. The dual voltage levels suggest it serves both transmission and sub-transmission functions, typical of substations in densely populated areas. Shellhorn Substation contributes to grid stability and reliability for the surrounding region. Its location in Virginia, a state with growing energy demand, underscores its importance in supporting residential, commercial, and industrial customers. The facility's operational status and ownership by a major utility highlight its role in maintaining a resilient electrical infrastructure.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in a region with a mix of urban and suburban development, which influences its environmental context. Electrical infrastructure like Shellhorn Substation must manage electromagnetic fields and noise, though modern designs mitigate these impacts. The facility's location in Virginia, which experiences seasonal weather extremes, requires robust design to withstand storms and heat. Vegetation management around transmission lines is also a key environmental consideration to prevent outages and wildfires.
Frequently asked questions
Shellhorn Substation is located in Virginia, United States, at coordinates 38.998852, -77.471623.
Shellhorn Substation operates at two voltage levels: 230,000 volts (230 kV) for transmission and 34,500 volts (34.5 kV) for sub-transmission or distribution.
Shellhorn Substation is owned and operated by Virginia Electric & Power Company, a subsidiary of Dominion Energy.
Shellhorn Substation must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations for transmission-level assets, as well as PJM Interconnection market rules.
Shellhorn Substation steps down high-voltage transmission power to lower voltages for local distribution, ensuring reliable electricity supply to the surrounding area.