Overview
Van Dyke Substation is an operational electrical substation owned by Clark Public Utilities in Vancouver, Washington, operating at 115 kV to support regional grid stability.
Van Dyke Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Vancouver, Washington, United States. Owned by Clark Public Utilities, the facility operates at a voltage level of 115 kV, classifying it as a medium-voltage substation within the regional transmission and distribution network. The substation plays a key role in delivering reliable electricity to the surrounding urban and suburban areas of Clark County. As part of the U.S. electrical infrastructure, Van Dyke Substation operates under the regulatory framework established by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). These standards ensure grid reliability, cybersecurity, and compliance with mandatory reliability standards. The substation's 115 kV voltage level is typical for sub-transmission systems that connect bulk power transmission to local distribution networks. Environmentally, the substation's urban location near Vancouver minimizes land-use impacts compared to rural installations. Its role in the grid supports the integration of renewable energy sources and enhances local energy resilience. Clark Public Utilities, a public utility, serves over 200,000 customers in the region, making this substation a critical asset for community power supply and economic activity.
Environmental context
Located in an urban area of Vancouver, Washington, Van Dyke Substation operates within a developed environment where land use is already established. The 115 kV voltage level indicates a sub-transmission role, which typically involves lower visual and ecological footprints compared to high-voltage lines. The substation's proximity to residential and commercial zones necessitates careful management of electromagnetic fields and noise, though modern substations are designed to mitigate these impacts. Its operation supports grid stability and enables the integration of distributed energy resources, contributing to regional sustainability goals.
Frequently asked questions
Van Dyke Substation is located in Vancouver, Washington, United States, at coordinates 45.693227, -122.694249.
Van Dyke Substation is owned by Clark Public Utilities, a public utility serving Clark County, Washington.
Van Dyke Substation operates at 115 kV, which is a medium-voltage level commonly used for sub-transmission and distribution in the U.S. electrical grid.
As part of the U.S. electrical infrastructure, Van Dyke Substation must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations, ensuring grid stability and cybersecurity.
A 115 kV substation typically steps down voltage from high-voltage transmission lines to lower voltages for local distribution, serving residential, commercial, and industrial customers in the area.