Overview
Thornwell Substation is an operational electrical substation owned by Entergy in Louisiana, United States. It operates at 69 kV, serving as a key node in the regional transmission grid.
Thornwell Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Louisiana, United States. Owned and operated by Entergy, a major utility in the region, this facility plays a role in the transmission and distribution of electricity. The substation operates at a voltage of 69 kV, which is typical for sub-transmission or distribution-level infrastructure. As part of the Entergy system, Thornwell Substation is subject to regulatory oversight by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and must comply with North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) reliability standards. These standards ensure grid stability and security, including requirements for maintenance, cybersecurity, and emergency response. The 69 kV voltage level indicates that this substation likely serves local industrial, commercial, or residential loads. The substation's location in Louisiana places it within a region prone to hurricanes and severe weather, which can impact grid reliability. Entergy's infrastructure in the area is designed to withstand such events, with hardening measures and restoration protocols. The facility contributes to the resilience of the local power grid, supporting communities and critical services.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in a region with a humid subtropical climate, where thunderstorms and hurricanes are common. These weather events can pose risks to electrical infrastructure, necessitating robust design and maintenance. The facility's location in a rural area near the Gulf Coast means it may be exposed to salt spray and high winds, factors that influence equipment longevity and operational reliability.
Frequently asked questions
Thornwell Substation is located in Louisiana, United States, near coordinates 30.098829, -92.808463. It is part of the Entergy electrical grid.
Thornwell Substation operates at 69 kV (69,000 volts), which is a common voltage level for sub-transmission and distribution substations.
Thornwell Substation is owned and operated by Entergy, a major utility company serving customers in the southern United States.
As part of the US power grid, Thornwell Substation must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations, ensuring grid stability and security.
A 69 kV substation typically steps down transmission voltage for local distribution or interconnects sub-transmission lines, serving industrial, commercial, and residential customers.