Overview
Winfield Substation is an operational electrical substation in Alabama, United States, owned and operated by Alabama Power. It handles voltages of 161 kV and 46 kV, serving the local grid.
Winfield Substation is an electrical substation located in Alabama, United States, owned and operated by Alabama Power, a subsidiary of Southern Company. The facility is operational and plays a role in the regional transmission and distribution network, handling voltages of 161 kV and 46 kV, which indicates it serves both transmission and sub-transmission functions. The substation operates under the regulatory framework of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), which set reliability standards for the bulk power system. As part of the Alabama Power grid, it adheres to standards for voltage regulation, protection systems, and maintenance. The 161 kV voltage level is typical for sub-transmission in the US Southeast, connecting to larger transmission lines and local distribution. Winfield Substation contributes to the electrical infrastructure of west-central Alabama, supporting residential, commercial, and industrial loads in the area. Its location near the town of Winfield positions it as a key node for grid stability in a region with a mix of rural and urban demand. The substation's age and specific equipment are not detailed, but its operational status indicates ongoing grid support.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in a rural area of Alabama, characterized by mixed forest and agricultural land. Electrical infrastructure in such settings typically has minimal direct environmental impact, though rights-of-way require vegetation management. The 161 kV lines may traverse natural habitats, but standard practices include maintaining clearance and using bird-safe designs. The facility's operation supports local energy needs without significant local emissions.
Frequently asked questions
Winfield Substation is located in Alabama, United States, near the town of Winfield. Its approximate coordinates are 33.913637 N, -87.854023 W.
Winfield Substation handles two voltage levels: 161 kV and 46 kV. The 161 kV level is used for sub-transmission, while 46 kV serves local distribution.
Winfield Substation is owned and operated by Alabama Power, a major electric utility in the southeastern United States and a subsidiary of Southern Company.
As part of the US bulk power system, Winfield Substation must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations. These cover areas like voltage control, protection systems, and maintenance practices.
Substations like Winfield serve as nodes that step voltage up or down, switch circuits, and route power between transmission and distribution lines. They are critical for grid stability and reliability.