Overview
Waxpool Substation is an operational electrical substation in Virginia, United States, owned and operated by Virginia Electric & Power Company. It handles voltages of 230 kV and 34.5 kV, serving the regional grid.
Waxpool Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Virginia, United States. Owned and operated by Virginia Electric & Power Company, a subsidiary of Dominion Energy, this facility plays a key role in the regional transmission and distribution network. The substation handles multiple voltage levels, including 230 kV for high-voltage transmission and 34.5 kV for sub-transmission or distribution, indicating its function as a step-down or switching station. Operating under the jurisdiction of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and subject to North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) reliability standards, Waxpool Substation is part of the larger Eastern Interconnection grid. The facility's voltage levels suggest it connects bulk power transmission lines to local distribution networks, typical of substations serving suburban or urban areas. Virginia's electrical infrastructure is characterized by a mix of aging and modernized assets, with ongoing investments to enhance grid resilience and accommodate renewable energy integration. The substation's location near Washington, D.C., places it in a region with high electricity demand and critical infrastructure needs. Its operational status ensures continued support for residential, commercial, and industrial customers in the area. As part of Dominion Energy's network, Waxpool Substation contributes to grid stability and reliability, aligning with sector-wide efforts to modernize and secure the electrical grid against extreme weather and cyber threats.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in a region with a temperate climate, where seasonal storms and occasional extreme weather events pose risks to electrical infrastructure. Its location in a densely populated area near Washington, D.C., means it serves critical loads, including emergency services and data centers. The surrounding environment includes mixed urban and suburban land use, with potential for vegetation management and electromagnetic field considerations typical of substations.
Frequently asked questions
Waxpool Substation is located in Virginia, United States, near coordinates 39.016082, -77.480271, in the vicinity of Washington, D.C.
Waxpool Substation handles voltages of 230 kV (high-voltage transmission) and 34.5 kV (sub-transmission or distribution).
Waxpool Substation is owned and operated by Virginia Electric & Power Company, a subsidiary of Dominion Energy.
As part of the U.S. electrical grid, Waxpool Substation operates under NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations for transmission-level assets.
Substations like Waxpool serve as nodes in the electrical grid, stepping voltage up or down for transmission and distribution, and providing switching and protection functions to ensure reliable power delivery.