Overview
West Townsend Substation is an operational electrical substation in Townsend, Massachusetts, operated by Unitil. It operates at 69 kV, serving the local grid.
West Townsend Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Townsend, Massachusetts, United States. Owned and operated by Unitil, a regional utility serving New England, this facility plays a role in the local power distribution network. The substation operates at a voltage of 69 kV, which is typical for sub-transmission or distribution-level infrastructure in the region. As part of the United States electrical grid, the substation operates under the regulatory framework established by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) reliability standards. These standards ensure grid stability and security, particularly for transmission and sub-transmission assets. The 69 kV voltage level places this substation in the medium-voltage category, often used to distribute power from higher-voltage transmission lines to local distribution networks. The substation's location in Townsend, a rural town in north-central Massachusetts, supports the electrical needs of the surrounding community. Its operational status indicates ongoing contribution to grid reliability. Unitil's ownership aligns with the utility's service area, which includes parts of New Hampshire and Massachusetts, emphasizing the substation's role in regional power delivery.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in a rural area of Massachusetts, characterized by mixed forest and residential land use. Its 69 kV voltage level indicates a medium-scale facility that supports local distribution without the environmental footprint of high-voltage transmission lines. The surrounding ecosystem includes woodlands and wetlands, and the substation's operation adheres to state and federal environmental regulations to minimize impacts on local habitats.
Frequently asked questions
West Townsend Substation is located in Townsend, Massachusetts, United States, at coordinates 42.674958, -71.759280.
The substation is owned and operated by Unitil, a utility company serving parts of New England.
West Townsend Substation operates at 69 kV, a medium voltage level used for sub-transmission and distribution.
As part of the US electrical grid, the substation must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations to ensure grid stability and security.
A 69 kV substation typically steps down higher transmission voltages for local distribution, serving residential, commercial, and industrial customers in its area.