Overview
Stuarts Draft Substation is an operational electrical substation in Virginia, United States, handling voltages of 115 kV and 23 kV. It plays a key role in local grid stability and power distribution.
Stuarts Draft Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Stuarts Draft, Virginia, United States. The facility operates at voltage levels of 115 kV and 23 kV, indicating its role in both transmission and distribution within the regional power grid. As a substation, it serves as a critical node for stepping down high-voltage electricity for local consumption. 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 115 kV voltage level classifies it as a sub-transmission or distribution substation, typical for serving industrial and residential areas. The facility is likely equipped with modern switchgear and automation systems adhering to ISO/IEC 61850 standards for substation automation. Located in the Shenandoah Valley region, Stuarts Draft Substation supports the electrical infrastructure for a mix of agricultural, industrial, and residential customers. Its operational status ensures reliable power supply to the local community, contributing to grid resilience and economic activity in the area. The substation's dual voltage levels allow efficient integration with both high-voltage transmission lines and lower-voltage distribution networks.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in a rural area of Virginia, near the Blue Ridge Mountains. Its operation involves electromagnetic fields and potential impacts on local wildlife, though modern substations are designed to minimize ecological disruption. The facility's voltage levels and urban-rural location influence its environmental footprint, with lower visual and noise impacts compared to larger transmission substations.
Frequently asked questions
Stuarts Draft Substation is located in Stuarts Draft, Virginia, United States, at coordinates 38.024512, -79.047842.
Stuarts Draft Substation operates at voltage levels of 115,000 volts (115 kV) and 23,000 volts (23 kV), serving both transmission and distribution functions.
Stuarts Draft Substation is currently operational, as indicated by its status in the UtilityRadar database.
Substations in the United States must comply with NERC reliability standards for grid stability and FERC regulations for transmission assets. Additionally, ISO/IEC 61850 standards guide substation automation and communication.
Substations are critical nodes that step down high-voltage electricity from transmission lines to lower voltages for distribution to homes and businesses. They also provide switching, protection, and monitoring functions to ensure grid reliability.