Overview
Wakefield Substation is an operational electrical substation in Massachusetts, United States, owned and operated by National Grid. It operates at 115 kV, serving the regional power grid.
Wakefield Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Massachusetts, United States. Owned and operated by National Grid, the facility plays a key role in the regional transmission network, stepping down high-voltage electricity for distribution to local communities. The substation's 115 kV voltage level places it within the medium-to-high voltage range typical of sub-transmission infrastructure in the United States. As part of National Grid's portfolio, the substation operates under the regulatory oversight of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and adheres to North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) reliability standards. These frameworks ensure grid stability and compliance with mandatory reliability criteria. The facility's equipment likely includes circuit breakers, transformers, and switchgear designed to manage power flows and protect against faults. The substation's location in a densely populated area of Massachusetts underscores its importance for maintaining reliable electricity supply to residential, commercial, and industrial customers. Its operational status contributes to the resilience of the local grid, supporting energy needs in the region. The facility's age and specific technical details are not publicly available, but its continued operation reflects ongoing maintenance and upgrades typical of critical infrastructure.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in an urbanized area of Massachusetts, where electrical infrastructure must balance reliability with environmental considerations. The facility's 115 kV operation involves electromagnetic fields and potential impacts on local wildlife, though modern substations are designed to minimize ecological disruption. The surrounding region's climate, with seasonal temperature extremes, necessitates robust equipment to handle load variations and weather-related stresses.
Frequently asked questions
Wakefield Substation is located in Massachusetts, United States, at coordinates 42.487853, -71.047807. It is owned and operated by National Grid.
Wakefield Substation operates at 115 kV (115,000 volts), which is a common voltage level for sub-transmission substations in the United States.
Wakefield Substation is owned and operated by National Grid, a major utility company serving the northeastern United States.
As part of the US electrical grid, Wakefield Substation must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations for transmission-level assets.
A 115 kV substation steps down high-voltage electricity from transmission lines to lower voltages for local distribution, ensuring reliable power supply to homes and businesses.