Overview
Snipes Substation is an operational electrical substation in the United States, owned and operated by the Bonneville Power Administration. It operates at a voltage of 115 kV, serving as a key node in the regional transmission grid.
Snipes Substation is an operational electrical substation located in the United States, specifically at coordinates 46.302942, -119.661335. Owned and operated by the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), this facility is part of the high-voltage transmission network that delivers electricity across the Pacific Northwest. The substation operates at a voltage level of 115 kV, which is typical for sub-transmission and distribution-level infrastructure within the BPA system. As a substation under the Bonneville Power Administration, Snipes Substation operates within the regulatory framework of the U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and adheres to North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) reliability standards. BPA is a federal power marketing administration that manages a vast network of high-voltage transmission lines and substations, ensuring grid stability and reliability across multiple states. The 115 kV voltage level indicates that this substation likely serves as a distribution point for local utilities or industrial customers. The environmental and operational significance of Snipes Substation lies in its role within the broader BPA transmission system, which integrates hydropower from the Columbia River Basin with other renewable and conventional energy sources. The substation contributes to the reliable delivery of electricity to communities and industries in the region, supporting economic activity and grid resilience. Its location in a rural area of Washington state underscores its function in connecting remote generation resources to load centers.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in a semi-arid region of central Washington, characterized by agricultural land and proximity to the Columbia River. The local environment is influenced by the region's reliance on hydropower, which provides clean energy but also poses challenges related to fish migration and water management. The substation's 115 kV infrastructure is typical for rural distribution, minimizing visual and land-use impacts compared to higher-voltage transmission lines.
Frequently asked questions
Snipes Substation is located in the United States, at coordinates 46.302942, -119.661335, in the state of Washington. It is owned and operated by the Bonneville Power Administration.
Snipes Substation operates at a voltage of 115 kV, which is a common voltage level for sub-transmission and distribution substations in the United States.
Snipes Substation is operated by the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), a federal power marketing administration that manages a large portion of the high-voltage transmission grid in the Pacific Northwest.
As part of the U.S. electrical grid, Snipes Substation must comply with North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) reliability standards and is subject to oversight by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).
A 115 kV substation typically serves as an interface between high-voltage transmission lines and lower-voltage distribution networks. It helps regulate voltage, switch circuits, and ensure reliable power delivery to local utilities and industrial customers.