Overview
Woodland West Substation is an operational electrical substation in Cowlitz County, Washington, owned by Cowlitz Public Utility District. It operates at 115 kV, serving the local grid.
Woodland West Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Cowlitz County, Washington, United States. Owned and operated by Cowlitz Public Utility District, the facility plays a key role in the regional power distribution network. The substation operates at a voltage of 115 kV, classifying it as a medium-voltage substation typical for distributing electricity to industrial, commercial, and residential customers in the area. The substation's technical specifications include a voltage level of 115 kV, which is standard for sub-transmission and distribution substations in the United States. As part of the Pacific Northwest grid, the facility adheres to North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) reliability standards and is subject to Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) oversight for transmission-level assets. The substation likely employs modern switchgear and protection systems to ensure grid stability and safety. Located in a rural-urban interface near the town of Woodland, the substation supports the local community's electrical needs, including residential areas and nearby industries such as timber and manufacturing. Its operational status ensures reliable power delivery, contributing to the region's economic activity and quality of life. The facility's integration into the broader grid underscores its importance in maintaining energy resilience in Cowlitz County.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in the Lower Columbia River region, characterized by temperate rainforest climate with high rainfall. Its operation involves electromagnetic fields and potential impacts on local wildlife, though modern substations are designed to minimize ecological disruption. The 115 kV voltage level indicates a moderate footprint, with typical mitigation measures including oil containment for transformers and noise barriers.
Frequently asked questions
Woodland West Substation is located in Cowlitz County, Washington, United States, near the town of Woodland. Its coordinates are approximately 45.903881 N, -122.757218 W.
Woodland West Substation is owned and operated by Cowlitz Public Utility District, a public utility serving Cowlitz County, Washington.
Woodland West Substation operates at 115 kV (115,000 volts), which is a common voltage for sub-transmission and distribution substations in the United States.
As part of the U.S. electrical grid, Woodland West Substation must comply with North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) reliability standards and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) regulations for transmission-level assets.
A 115 kV substation steps down high-voltage transmission power to lower voltages for distribution to homes and businesses. It also provides switching and protection functions to maintain grid stability.