Overview
Tewksbury Substation No. 22 is an operational substation in Massachusetts, USA, owned by National Grid. It handles multiple voltage levels including 230 kV, 115 kV, and 13.8 kV, serving as a key node in the regional transmission network.
Tewksbury Substation No. 22 is an operational electrical substation located in Tewksbury, Massachusetts, United States. Owned by National Grid, a major utility in the Northeast, the facility plays a critical role in the regional power grid by stepping down high-voltage transmission lines to lower distribution voltages. The substation operates at voltage levels of 230 kV, 115 kV, and 13.8 kV, indicating its function as both a transmission and distribution substation. The substation's technical specifications reflect a medium-to-large scale facility typical of the US Northeast, where aging infrastructure is being modernized to meet reliability standards set by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). The presence of multiple voltage levels suggests it serves both bulk power transfer and local distribution needs, likely supporting industrial, commercial, and residential customers in the Merrimack Valley region. Operationally, Tewksbury Substation No. 22 contributes to grid stability in a densely populated area with significant energy demand. Its location near major transportation corridors and urban centers underscores its importance for maintaining reliable electricity supply. The facility's role in voltage regulation and power flow management is essential for preventing outages and ensuring compliance with NERC reliability standards.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in a suburban area of northeastern Massachusetts, characterized by mixed residential and commercial development. The local environment includes proximity to the Merrimack River and several wetlands, which can influence stormwater management and vegetation control practices. As part of the regional grid, the facility must adhere to environmental regulations regarding oil containment from transformers and electromagnetic field (EMF) guidelines. The surrounding ecosystem benefits from the substation's role in supporting electric vehicle adoption and renewable energy integration, reducing local air emissions from fossil fuel generation.
Frequently asked questions
Tewksbury Substation No. 22 is located in Tewksbury, Massachusetts, United States, at coordinates 42.624033, -71.246867.
The substation operates at 230 kV, 115 kV, and 13.8 kV, serving both transmission and distribution functions.
The substation is owned by National Grid, a major utility serving the northeastern United States. National Grid also operates the facility.
In the United States, substations must comply with NERC reliability standards for grid stability and FERC regulations for transmission-level assets. Additionally, ISO/IEC 61850 standards for substation automation may apply.
The substation is currently operational, actively contributing to the regional power grid.