Overview
Swatara Hill Substation is an operational electrical substation in Pennsylvania, United States, operated by Met-Ed. It operates at 69 kV, serving as a key node in the regional power grid.
Swatara Hill Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Pennsylvania, United States. Owned and operated by Met-Ed, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy, this facility plays a role in the regional transmission and distribution network. The substation operates at a voltage of 69 kV, placing it within the sub-transmission or distribution voltage class typical for serving local communities and industrial areas. As part of the U.S. electrical infrastructure, Swatara Hill Substation operates under the regulatory oversight of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for wholesale electricity markets and reliability standards set by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC). The substation likely includes switchgear, transformers, and protection systems that comply with industry standards such as IEEE and NERC CIP for cybersecurity. Met-Ed's service territory in Pennsylvania includes a mix of urban, suburban, and rural loads, requiring reliable substation equipment. The substation's location in Pennsylvania places it within the PJM Interconnection, one of the largest regional transmission organizations in the U.S. Its operational status ensures continued support for grid stability and electricity delivery to end-users. Substations like Swatara Hill are critical for voltage regulation and fault isolation, contributing to the overall resilience of the electrical grid.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in a region with a temperate climate, where seasonal temperature variations can affect electrical equipment performance. Its rural or suburban setting may reduce direct environmental impact compared to urban substations, but vegetation management and stormwater runoff are typical considerations. The 69 kV voltage level indicates a moderate scale, with potential electromagnetic field (EMF) effects mitigated by standard siting practices.
Frequently asked questions
Swatara Hill Substation is located in Pennsylvania, United States, at coordinates 40.196560, -76.687996.
Swatara Hill Substation operates at a voltage of 69 kV, which is typical for sub-transmission or distribution substations.
Swatara Hill Substation is owned and operated by Met-Ed, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy, serving customers in Pennsylvania.
In the United States, substations must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations, including NERC CIP for cybersecurity and IEEE standards for equipment.
A 69 kV substation typically steps down transmission voltage for distribution to local areas, providing voltage regulation and fault protection to ensure reliable electricity delivery.