Overview
South Bluefield Substation is an operational electrical substation in Virginia, United States, owned and operated by Appalachian Power Company. It operates at a voltage of 138 kV, serving the regional grid.
South Bluefield Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Virginia, United States. Owned and operated by Appalachian Power Company, the facility plays a key role in the regional transmission network. With a voltage level of 138 kV, it is classified as a high-voltage substation, typical for sub-transmission and distribution support in the area. The substation operates under the regulatory framework of the United States, which includes compliance with NERC reliability standards and FERC oversight for transmission-level assets. The 138 kV voltage class is common for regional power distribution, connecting bulk transmission systems to local distribution networks. Appalachian Power Company, a subsidiary of American Electric Power, manages this facility as part of its extensive grid infrastructure in the Appalachian region. Environmentally, the substation is situated in a rural area of southwestern Virginia, near the town of Bluefield. Its operation supports grid stability for local communities and industries, including coal mining and manufacturing sectors. The facility's age and specific equipment are not detailed, but typical substations of this voltage level include circuit breakers, transformers, and switchgear designed for reliable power delivery.
Environmental context
The substation is located in a rural region of Virginia, characterized by mountainous terrain and forested areas. Its operation supports local grid stability for residential, commercial, and industrial users, including mining and manufacturing. The voltage level of 138 kV indicates a role in sub-transmission, balancing load distribution and minimizing transmission losses. The facility's environmental impact is primarily related to land use and electromagnetic fields, typical for substations of this scale.
Frequently asked questions
South Bluefield Substation is located in Virginia, United States, near the town of Bluefield. Its coordinates are approximately 37.244542 N, -81.228630 W.
South Bluefield Substation operates at a voltage of 138 kV, which is a common voltage for sub-transmission and distribution substations in the United States.
The substation is owned and operated by Appalachian Power Company, a subsidiary of American Electric Power, which serves customers in Virginia, West Virginia, and Tennessee.
As part of the US electrical grid, the substation must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations for transmission-level assets, ensuring grid stability and safety.
A 138 kV substation typically steps down voltage from higher transmission levels (e.g., 230 kV or 500 kV) to distribution levels (e.g., 34.5 kV or 12.47 kV), serving local industrial and residential loads.