Overview
Ward Hill Substation is an operational electrical substation in the United States, owned and operated by National Grid. It handles multiple voltage levels including 345 kV, 115 kV, 23 kV, and 13.2 kV.
Ward Hill Substation is an operational electrical substation located in the United States, owned and operated by National Grid. The facility serves as a critical node in the regional transmission and distribution network, handling high-voltage electricity at 345 kV and 115 kV, as well as lower distribution voltages of 23 kV and 13.2 kV. As part of National Grid's infrastructure, it supports grid reliability and power delivery to surrounding communities. The substation operates under the regulatory framework of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), which enforce reliability standards for bulk power systems. The facility's voltage levels indicate its role in both transmission (345 kV) and sub-transmission/distribution (115 kV and below), typical of a major substation interconnecting multiple circuits. The presence of multiple voltage levels suggests it serves as a step-down point from high-voltage transmission to local distribution networks. Ward Hill Substation plays a key role in maintaining grid stability and power supply in its region. Its location in the northeastern United States, an area with high electricity demand and aging infrastructure, underscores its importance. The substation's operational status and ownership by National Grid, a major utility, indicate it is part of a well-maintained system subject to rigorous regulatory oversight and reliability standards.
Environmental context
The substation is located in a region with mixed urban and suburban development, typical of the northeastern United States. Its operation involves electromagnetic fields and potential oil leakage from transformers, which are managed under environmental regulations. The facility's high-voltage equipment requires careful siting to minimize visual and noise impacts on nearby residential areas. National Grid follows standard environmental practices for substation operations, including spill prevention and vegetation management.
Frequently asked questions
Ward Hill Substation is located in the United States, with coordinates approximately 42.7442° N, -71.1136° W. It is owned and operated by National Grid.
Ward Hill Substation handles multiple voltage levels: 345,000 volts (345 kV) for transmission, 115,000 volts (115 kV) for sub-transmission, and 23,000 volts (23 kV) and 13,200 volts (13.2 kV) for distribution.
Ward Hill Substation is owned and operated by National Grid, a major electricity and gas utility company serving the northeastern United States.
As part of the US bulk power system, Ward Hill Substation must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations. These standards cover grid reliability, cybersecurity, and equipment maintenance.
Substations like Ward Hill are critical for stepping down high transmission voltages to lower distribution voltages, enabling safe delivery of electricity to homes and businesses. They also provide switching and protection functions to maintain grid stability.