Overview
Sumiton Substation is an operational electrical substation in Sumiton, Alabama, operated by Alabama Power. It handles voltages of 115 kV and 13.09 kV, serving the local grid.
Sumiton Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Sumiton, Alabama, United States. Owned and operated by Alabama Power, a subsidiary of Southern Company, this facility plays a key role in the regional power distribution network. The substation operates at voltage levels of 115,000 volts (115 kV) and 13,090 volts (13.09 kV), typical for transmission and distribution infrastructure in the area. As part of the U.S. electrical grid, Sumiton Substation operates under the regulatory framework of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). These bodies enforce reliability standards for transmission assets, ensuring grid stability and security. The substation's voltage levels indicate its role in stepping down power from high-voltage transmission lines to lower voltages for local distribution. The substation's location in Sumiton, a town in Walker County, supports the electrical needs of the surrounding community and industrial activities. Its operational status and connection to Alabama Power's network contribute to the reliability of electricity supply in the region, serving residential, commercial, and industrial customers.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in a rural area of Alabama, where the local environment includes forested land and proximity to the Black Warrior River. Electrical infrastructure like Sumiton Substation can have localized environmental impacts, such as electromagnetic fields and land use for transmission corridors. However, modern substations are designed to minimize ecological disruption, with measures to contain potential oil leaks from transformers and to manage vegetation around the site.
Frequently asked questions
Sumiton Substation is located in Sumiton, Alabama, United States, at coordinates 33.758397, -87.061457.
Sumiton Substation operates at voltage levels of 115,000 volts (115 kV) and 13,090 volts (13.09 kV), typical for transmission and distribution substations.
Sumiton Substation is owned and operated by Alabama Power, a major electric utility serving Alabama.
Substations in the U.S. must comply with NERC reliability standards for grid stability and FERC regulations for transmission assets. These standards cover equipment maintenance, cybersecurity, and operational protocols.
Substations like Sumiton step down high-voltage electricity from transmission lines to lower voltages for distribution to homes and businesses, ensuring safe and reliable power delivery.