Overview
Stow Substation is an operational electrical substation in Stow, Ohio, owned and operated by FirstEnergy. It operates at 69 kV, serving the local grid in the United States.
Stow Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Stow, Ohio, United States. Owned and operated by FirstEnergy, a major utility holding company in the region, the facility plays a key role in the local electrical infrastructure. With a voltage level of 69 kV, it is classified as a medium-voltage substation, typical for distribution-level grid support. Operating under the regulatory framework of the United States, the substation adheres to standards set by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and is subject to oversight by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for reliability and market operations. The 69 kV voltage level indicates its role in stepping down power from higher transmission voltages for local distribution, a common configuration in suburban and urban areas. The substation's location in Stow, part of the Akron metropolitan area, supports the electrical needs of residential, commercial, and industrial customers. As part of FirstEnergy's network, it contributes to grid stability and reliability in the region. The facility's operational status ensures continued service to the community, aligning with sector standards for safety and performance.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in a suburban area of Stow, Ohio, within the Great Lakes region. The local environment features mixed residential and commercial land use. Electrical infrastructure like this substation is designed to minimize environmental impact through proper siting and maintenance, with considerations for electromagnetic fields and noise. The facility's operation supports the regional grid, which is increasingly integrating renewable energy sources to reduce carbon emissions.
Frequently asked questions
Stow Substation is located in Stow, Ohio, United States, at coordinates 41.166366, -81.443261.
Stow Substation is owned and operated by FirstEnergy, a major utility company serving the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States.
Stow Substation operates at 69 kV (69,000 volts), which is a medium voltage level commonly used for distribution substations.
Substations in the United States must comply with NERC reliability standards for grid stability and FERC regulations for transmission and wholesale electricity markets. Additionally, substations often follow IEEE and ISO/IEC 61850 standards for automation and communication.
A 69 kV substation typically steps down higher transmission voltages (e.g., 138 kV or 230 kV) to distribution voltages for local delivery to homes and businesses. It also provides switching and protection functions to maintain grid reliability.