Overview
Swanton Substation is an operational 138 kV electrical substation in Swanton, Ohio, owned and operated by Toledo Edison, serving the regional power grid.
Swanton Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Swanton, Ohio, United States. Owned and operated by Toledo Edison, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy, this facility operates at a voltage of 138 kV, classifying it as a sub-transmission or distribution-level asset within the regional grid. The substation plays a key role in stepping down power from higher-voltage transmission lines for local distribution. The substation operates under the regulatory framework of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), which set reliability standards for the bulk power system. As part of the PJM Interconnection regional transmission organization, Swanton Substation must comply with mandatory reliability standards, including NERC's Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) requirements for cybersecurity and physical security. Swanton Substation is situated in a rural area of northwestern Ohio, where it supports agricultural and residential electricity demand. Its location near the Ohio Turnpike and major transmission corridors enhances grid connectivity. Typical substations of this voltage class in the region have been upgraded to include modern protection relays and automation systems to improve reliability and safety.
Environmental context
Swanton Substation is located in a rural agricultural area of northwestern Ohio, where the primary environmental considerations include stormwater runoff management and potential impacts on local waterways. Substations typically contain mineral oil-filled transformers, which require spill containment measures to prevent soil and water contamination. The facility's 138 kV voltage level places it in a moderate risk category for electromagnetic field exposure, though standard setback distances and shielding are typically employed to mitigate concerns.
Frequently asked questions
Swanton Substation is located in Swanton, Ohio, United States, near the intersection of State Route 64 and the Ohio Turnpike.
Swanton Substation is owned and operated by Toledo Edison, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corporation.
Swanton Substation operates at 138 kV, which is a common sub-transmission voltage level in the United States.
Swanton Substation must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations, as well as PJM Interconnection requirements for grid stability and security.
A 138 kV substation typically steps down power from higher-voltage transmission lines (e.g., 345 kV) to distribution voltages (e.g., 34.5 kV or 12 kV) for local delivery to homes and businesses.