Overview
Waterman-Grant Line Substation is an operational electrical substation owned by Sacramento Municipal Utility District in California, operating at 69 kV to support regional grid stability.
Waterman-Grant Line Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Sacramento County, California, United States. Owned by the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD), this facility operates at a voltage of 69 kV, classifying it as a sub-transmission or distribution-level asset within the regional power grid. The substation plays a key role in stepping down voltage for local distribution and ensuring reliable electricity supply to surrounding communities. As part of SMUD's network, the substation adheres to North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) reliability standards and is subject to Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) oversight for interconnection and operational practices. The 69 kV voltage level is typical for sub-transmission systems that connect bulk power sources to distribution networks. SMUD, a publicly owned utility, serves over 600,000 customers in the Sacramento area, and this substation contributes to the resilience of the local grid. The substation's location in a growing urban fringe area underscores its importance in supporting residential and commercial development. By maintaining stable voltage and enabling load balancing, Waterman-Grant Line Substation helps prevent outages and supports the integration of renewable energy sources. Its operational status ensures continued service to the community, aligning with SMUD's commitment to reliable and sustainable electricity delivery.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in a region with a Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. This climate influences electricity demand patterns, with peak loads during summer cooling season. The facility's 69 kV voltage level is critical for local grid stability, particularly in an area experiencing urban expansion. The substation's design and maintenance practices must account for wildfire risk, a growing concern in California, by adhering to vegetation management and equipment safety protocols.
Frequently asked questions
Waterman-Grant Line Substation is located in Sacramento County, California, United States, near the intersection of Waterman Road and Grant Line Road.
The substation is owned and operated by the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD), a community-owned electric utility serving the Sacramento area.
Waterman-Grant Line Substation operates at 69 kV, which is a sub-transmission voltage level used to distribute power from transmission lines to local distribution networks.
As part of the US electrical grid, the substation must comply with NERC reliability standards for grid stability and FERC regulations for interconnection and operational practices.
The substation steps down voltage for local distribution, balances load, and provides switching capabilities to isolate faults, helping maintain stable electricity supply to homes and businesses in the Sacramento region.