Overview
Umatilla Electric Cooperative operates a 69 kV substation in Umatilla County, Oregon, serving the local electrical grid. The facility is owned and operated by the cooperative, ensuring reliable power distribution.
Umatilla Electric Cooperative is a substation located in Umatilla County, Oregon, United States. It operates at a voltage of 69 kV, classifying it as a medium-voltage substation that plays a key role in regional power distribution. The facility is owned and operated by the cooperative, which serves the local community's electrical needs. The substation operates under the regulatory framework of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), which set reliability standards for the bulk power system. As a cooperative-owned facility, it is subject to state-level utility regulations in Oregon, ensuring compliance with grid stability and safety requirements. The environmental context of the substation is shaped by its rural location in eastern Oregon, where it supports agricultural and residential electricity demand. The facility's operation contributes to grid resilience in the region, with minimal direct environmental impact due to its compact footprint and existing infrastructure.
Environmental context
The substation is located in a rural area of Umatilla County, Oregon, characterized by agricultural land and low population density. Its 69 kV voltage level indicates a role in local distribution rather than high-voltage transmission, reducing potential environmental impacts such as electromagnetic fields or land use. The facility's operation supports reliable electricity supply to farms and communities, with standard mitigation measures for noise and visual intrusion.
Frequently asked questions
Umatilla Electric Cooperative is located in Umatilla County, Oregon, United States, at coordinates 45.787176, -118.280110.
The substation operates at 69 kV, which is a medium voltage level typical for distribution substations serving local communities.
The substation is owned and operated by Umatilla Electric Cooperative, a member-owned utility serving the region.
As part of the US bulk power system, the substation must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations, along with Oregon state utility requirements.
A 69 kV substation typically steps down transmission voltage for local distribution, serving residential, commercial, and agricultural customers within a limited area.