Overview
Williamsburg Substation is an operational electrical substation in Virginia, United States, owned by Virginia Electric and Power Company. It operates at 34.5 kV, serving the local grid.
Williamsburg Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Virginia, United States. Owned by Virginia Electric and Power Company, the facility operates at a voltage of 34.5 kV, classifying it as a medium-voltage substation within the regional transmission and distribution network. The substation operates under the regulatory framework of the United States, which includes NERC reliability standards and FERC oversight for transmission-level assets. As a 34.5 kV facility, it likely serves as a distribution substation, stepping down power from higher voltage transmission lines to serve local industrial, commercial, and residential customers in the Williamsburg area. This substation plays a key role in maintaining grid stability and reliability for the surrounding community. Its location in a historic and growing region of Virginia underscores its importance in supporting both existing infrastructure and future development. The facility contributes to the resilience of the local electrical grid, ensuring consistent power supply to end-users.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in a region with a mix of urban and natural landscapes, including the nearby Colonial National Historical Park and the James River. Electrical infrastructure in such areas must balance operational needs with environmental stewardship, particularly regarding electromagnetic fields and land use. The 34.5 kV voltage level indicates a moderate footprint, with typical considerations for vegetation management and stormwater runoff to minimize ecological impact.
Frequently asked questions
Williamsburg Substation is located in Virginia, United States, near the city of Williamsburg. Its coordinates are approximately 37.2758° N, -76.6966° W.
Williamsburg Substation is owned by Virginia Electric and Power Company, a major utility serving the state of Virginia.
Williamsburg Substation operates at a voltage of 34.5 kV, which is typical for a distribution-level substation in the United States.
Substations in the United States must comply with NERC reliability standards for grid stability and FERC regulations for interstate transmission. Additionally, ISO/IEC 61850 standards for substation automation may apply.
A 34.5 kV substation typically steps down voltage from higher transmission levels (e.g., 115 kV or 230 kV) to distribution levels for local use, serving residential, commercial, and industrial customers.