Overview
Taneytown Substation is an operational electrical substation in Taneytown, Maryland, United States, operating at 138 kV and serving the local grid.
Taneytown Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Taneytown, Maryland, United States. It operates at a voltage of 138 kV, which classifies it as a medium-voltage substation typically used for subtransmission and distribution within the regional power grid. The facility is part of the broader electrical infrastructure that supports the Carroll County area and connects to larger transmission networks. Operating under the regulatory framework of the United States, this substation adheres to North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) reliability standards and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) regulations for transmission-level assets. The 138 kV voltage level is common for subtransmission systems that link high-voltage transmission lines to lower-voltage distribution networks, ensuring stable power delivery to residential, commercial, and industrial customers. The substation plays a critical role in maintaining grid stability and reliability in the region. Its operational status ensures continuous power supply to the surrounding communities, supporting local economic activities and daily life. As part of the interconnected U.S. power grid, Taneytown Substation contributes to the overall resilience and efficiency of electrical infrastructure in Maryland.
Environmental context
Located in a rural area of Carroll County, Maryland, the substation is situated in a region characterized by agricultural land and scattered residential developments. The 138 kV voltage level indicates a moderate scale of electrical infrastructure, which typically has a localized environmental footprint. Substations of this type are designed to minimize electromagnetic field exposure and are often integrated into the landscape with vegetation buffers. The facility's operation supports the integration of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, into the local grid, contributing to Maryland's renewable energy goals.
Frequently asked questions
Taneytown Substation is located in Taneytown, Maryland, United States, at coordinates 39.652783, -77.174739.
Taneytown Substation operates at a voltage of 138 kV, which is a common subtransmission voltage level in the United States.
The operator of Taneytown Substation is not publicly listed, but substations in the U.S. are typically operated by local utilities or transmission companies subject to NERC and FERC regulations.
As part of the U.S. electrical grid, Taneytown Substation must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations for transmission and subtransmission assets.
A 138 kV substation serves as a subtransmission node, stepping down voltage from high-voltage transmission lines (e.g., 230 kV or higher) to distribution levels (e.g., 34.5 kV or lower) for local delivery to customers.