Overview
Suburban Substation is an operational electrical substation in Pennsylvania, United States, owned and operated by PPL. It operates at 69 kV, serving the local grid.
Suburban Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Pennsylvania, United States. Owned and operated by PPL, this facility is part of the regional power transmission and distribution network. The substation operates at a voltage level of 69 kV, which is typical for sub-transmission or distribution substations serving suburban areas. As a substation in the United States, this facility operates under the regulatory framework established by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for wholesale electricity markets and reliability standards set by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC). PPL, as the owner and operator, must comply with NERC's Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) standards and regional reliability requirements. The 69 kV voltage level places this substation in a medium-voltage category, often used to distribute power from higher-voltage transmission lines to local distribution networks. The environmental and operational significance of Suburban Substation lies in its role in maintaining grid stability and reliability for the surrounding suburban community. Substations like this are critical for voltage regulation, power flow control, and fault isolation. By stepping down voltage from transmission levels to distribution levels, it enables safe and efficient electricity delivery to residential and commercial customers. The facility's location in Pennsylvania contributes to the state's diverse energy mix, which includes natural gas, nuclear, and renewable sources.
Environmental context
The substation is located in a suburban area of Pennsylvania, where land use is a mix of residential and commercial developments. The 69 kV voltage level indicates a medium-voltage facility that typically has a smaller footprint and lower environmental impact compared to high-voltage transmission substations. The surrounding environment may include green spaces and residential zones, requiring careful management of electromagnetic fields and noise. The facility's operation supports the integration of distributed energy resources and helps maintain grid reliability in the region.
Frequently asked questions
Suburban Substation is located in Pennsylvania, United States, at coordinates 41.417260, -75.648796.
Suburban Substation operates at 69 kV, which is a medium voltage level commonly used for sub-transmission and distribution.
Suburban Substation is owned and operated by PPL, a major utility company in the United States.
As a US substation, it must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations, including Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) standards.
A 69 kV substation steps down voltage from higher transmission lines to distribution levels, ensuring reliable electricity supply to local communities and supporting grid stability.