Overview
West Kennebunk Substation is an operational electrical substation in Kennebunk, Maine, owned and operated by Kennebunk Light & Power District. It operates at 115 kV, serving the local grid.
West Kennebunk Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Kennebunk, Maine, United States. Owned and operated by Kennebunk Light & Power District, it is a key node in the local distribution network. The substation operates at a voltage of 115 kV, which is typical for sub-transmission and distribution-level infrastructure in the region. The substation's technical specifications include a voltage level of 115,000 volts, indicating its role in stepping down power from higher transmission voltages for local distribution. As part of the U.S. electrical grid, it operates under the reliability standards set by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and is subject to Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) oversight for interstate aspects. The facility is located in a suburban area, serving residential and commercial customers in the Kennebunk region. Environmentally, the substation's operation is critical for maintaining grid stability and power quality in the area. Its urban location means it supports community services and economic activities. Typical substations of this scale are designed for long-term reliability and are regularly maintained to ensure safe and efficient power delivery.
Environmental context
The West Kennebunk Substation is situated in a suburban area of Maine, where the local environment includes mixed residential and commercial zones. The substation's 115 kV operation is typical for sub-transmission infrastructure, and its location near populated areas requires careful management of electromagnetic fields and noise. The facility's role in the grid supports local energy needs while adhering to environmental regulations that minimize ecological impact.
Frequently asked questions
West Kennebunk Substation is located in Kennebunk, Maine, United States, at coordinates 43.418660, -70.606851.
West Kennebunk Substation operates at a voltage of 115 kV (115,000 volts), which is typical for sub-transmission and distribution substations.
The substation is owned and operated by Kennebunk Light & Power District, a municipal utility serving the Kennebunk area.
In the United States, substations are subject to NERC reliability standards for grid stability and FERC regulations for interstate electricity transmission. Local utilities also follow state and local safety codes.
A 115 kV substation typically steps down high-voltage transmission power to lower voltages for local distribution, serving residential, commercial, and industrial customers. It also provides switching and protection functions to maintain grid reliability.