Overview
Swift's Beach Tap is an operational substation in Massachusetts, United States, owned by the Town of Braintree Light Department. It operates at 115 kV, serving the local grid.
Swift's Beach Tap is a substation located in Massachusetts, United States, owned and operated by the Town of Braintree Light Department. The facility is operational and plays a role in the regional electrical infrastructure, stepping down transmission-level voltage for local distribution. The substation operates at 115 kV, a common voltage level for sub-transmission and distribution substations in the United States. As part of the New England grid, it falls under the reliability standards set by NERC and is subject to FERC regulation for interstate electricity transmission. The facility likely includes switchgear and transformers to manage power flow and ensure grid stability. Located in an urban-suburban context near Boston, Swift's Beach Tap supports the electricity needs of Braintree and surrounding communities. Its operation contributes to the resilience of the local grid, providing essential infrastructure for residential, commercial, and industrial customers. The substation's age and specific equipment details are not publicly available, but its continued operational status indicates ongoing maintenance and compliance with industry standards.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in a densely populated area of Massachusetts, where electrical infrastructure must balance reliability with environmental considerations. Urban substations like Swift's Beach Tap often incorporate noise mitigation and oil containment systems to minimize local impact. The 115 kV voltage level suggests a role in distributing power from higher-voltage transmission lines, with potential electromagnetic field considerations addressed through standard siting practices.
Frequently asked questions
Swift's Beach Tap is located in Massachusetts, United States, near the town of Braintree. Its coordinates are approximately 42.2287 N, 70.9626 W.
Swift's Beach Tap operates at 115 kV, which is a typical voltage for sub-transmission and distribution substations in the United States.
The substation is owned and operated by the Town of Braintree Light Department, a municipal utility serving the Braintree area.
As part of the US electrical grid, Swift's Beach Tap must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations for transmission-level assets. The substation also adheres to local utility requirements.
A 115 kV substation typically steps down voltage from higher transmission lines (e.g., 230 kV or 345 kV) for distribution to local networks. It also provides switching and protection functions to maintain grid stability.