Overview
Smithfield Substation is an operational electrical substation in Virginia, United States, owned and operated by Virginia Electric and Power Company. It operates at a voltage of 230 kV, serving the regional grid.
Smithfield Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Virginia, United States. Owned and operated by Virginia Electric and Power Company, the facility operates at a voltage of 230 kV, classifying it as a high-voltage transmission substation critical for regional grid stability. The substation operates under the regulatory framework of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), which enforce reliability standards for bulk power systems. As a 230 kV facility, it plays a key role in transmitting electricity from generation sources to distribution networks, supporting the grid in southeastern Virginia. This substation is part of the broader electrical infrastructure serving the Hampton Roads region, including residential, commercial, and industrial customers. Its operational status ensures continued reliability of power supply in the area, contributing to grid resilience and energy security.
Environmental context
The substation is located in a suburban area near Smithfield, Virginia, within a region characterized by mixed residential and agricultural land use. The 230 kV voltage level indicates its role in long-distance power transmission, which can have localized environmental impacts such as electromagnetic fields and land use for transmission corridors. The facility's operation aligns with NERC reliability standards to minimize risks to surrounding ecosystems.
Frequently asked questions
Smithfield Substation is located in Virginia, United States, near the town of Smithfield. Its coordinates are approximately 36.96° N, -76.67° W.
Smithfield Substation operates at a voltage of 230 kV, which is a high-voltage transmission level used for long-distance power transfer.
Smithfield Substation is owned and operated by Virginia Electric and Power Company, a utility serving customers in Virginia.
As part of the U.S. bulk power system, Smithfield Substation must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations to ensure grid stability and security.
A 230 kV substation steps down transmission voltage for distribution or interconnects transmission lines, playing a critical role in delivering electricity from power plants to local distribution networks.