Overview
South Akron Substation is an operational electrical substation in Akron, Ohio, owned and operated by FirstEnergy. It handles multiple voltage levels including 138 kV, 23 kV, and 4.16 kV.
South Akron Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Akron, Ohio, United States. Owned and operated by FirstEnergy, a major utility in the region, the substation plays a key role in the local power distribution network. The facility handles multiple voltage levels, including 138 kV for transmission and 23 kV and 4.16 kV for distribution, indicating its function as a step-down substation serving both industrial and residential customers. 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 FirstEnergy's grid, it is subject to compliance with NERC's Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) standards. The voltage levels suggest it is a medium-scale substation typical of urban distribution networks in the United States. Located in Akron, an industrial city in the Great Lakes region, the substation supports the area's economic activities, including manufacturing and commercial sectors. Its role in voltage transformation and grid stability is critical for maintaining reliable electricity supply to the community. The facility's operational status and integration into FirstEnergy's network underscore its importance in the regional electrical infrastructure.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in an urban area of Akron, Ohio, which has a temperate climate with seasonal variations. The surrounding environment includes residential and industrial zones, with potential impacts from electromagnetic fields and noise, typical of substations. The facility's design likely includes measures to manage stormwater runoff and prevent oil spills from transformers, in compliance with environmental regulations. Its location in a densely populated area requires careful planning to minimize visual and ecological disruption.
Frequently asked questions
South Akron Substation is located in Akron, Ohio, United States, at coordinates 41.028099, -81.516090.
The substation handles multiple voltage levels: 138,000 volts (138 kV) for transmission, and 23,000 volts (23 kV) and 4,160 volts (4.16 kV) for distribution.
South Akron Substation is owned and operated by FirstEnergy, a major electric utility serving the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States.
As part of the US bulk power system, the substation must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations, including Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) requirements for cybersecurity and physical security.
Substations like South Akron transform voltage levels to facilitate efficient transmission and distribution of electricity, ensuring reliable power supply to residential, commercial, and industrial customers.