Overview
Surry Substation is an operational electrical substation in Virginia, United States, owned and operated by Virginia Electric and Power Company. It handles voltages of 500 kV, 230 kV, and 34.5 kV, serving as a critical node in the regional grid.
Surry Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Virginia, United States, owned and operated by Virginia Electric and Power Company (a Dominion Energy subsidiary). The facility handles multiple voltage levels including 500 kV, 230 kV, and 34.5 kV, indicating its role in both high-voltage transmission and sub-transmission distribution. As a key infrastructure asset, it supports the reliability of the electric grid in the region. The substation operates under the regulatory framework of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), which enforce reliability standards for bulk power systems. The 500 kV voltage level classifies it as a major transmission asset, critical for long-distance power transfer and grid stability. The presence of multiple voltage levels suggests it serves as a step-down point for local distribution networks. Surry Substation's location in Virginia places it within the PJM Interconnection, one of the largest regional transmission organizations in the United States. The substation likely plays a role in integrating power from nearby generation sources, including the Surry Nuclear Power Plant, and ensuring reliable electricity supply to residential, commercial, and industrial customers. Its operational status underscores its ongoing contribution to grid resilience and energy security.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in a region with a mix of rural and suburban land use, near the James River. Its operation involves electromagnetic fields and potential impacts on local wildlife, though modern substations are designed to minimize ecological disruption. The high voltage levels require careful management of right-of-way vegetation to prevent outages and reduce fire risk.
Frequently asked questions
Surry Substation is located in Virginia, United States, near the James River. Its coordinates are approximately 37.16° N, -76.69° W.
Surry Substation handles multiple voltage levels: 500 kV (extra-high voltage transmission), 230 kV (high voltage transmission), and 34.5 kV (sub-transmission/distribution).
Surry Substation is owned and operated by Virginia Electric and Power Company, a subsidiary of Dominion Energy, a major utility in the United States.
Surry Substation operates under NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations for transmission-level assets. It is part of the PJM Interconnection, which coordinates grid operations in the region.
Surry Substation serves as a critical node in the transmission network, stepping down high-voltage power from generation sources (such as the Surry Nuclear Power Plant) for distribution to local utilities and customers.