Ohio's Electric Substations: Locations And Insights

where are electric substations at in ohio

Ohio has a range of power transmission substations and power lines that are subject to Ohio Power Siting Board jurisdiction. These substations are located in strategic locations to serve customer load reliably and efficiently. FirstEnergy is one of the companies that work on transmission projects in Ohio, with projects such as the East Akron Substation Expansion Project and the Firestone Substation Expansion Project.

Characteristics Values
Number of customers Nearly 1.5 million
Power lines 100 kV and above
Review process for new substations 90 days
Review process for substation upgrades 28 days expedited review process
Review process for substation additions 21 days expedited review process
Review process for new transmission lines 7 months
Review process for transmission line re-construction 7 months
Location Wadsworth, Sharon Center, Carlisle, Lorain, Niles, Packard, Firestone, Lincoln Park, Masury, Republic, East Akron, Leroy Center, Mayfield, Highland, Magellan No.1, Darrow, Riverway, Evans, Ashtabula, Pinney Dock

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Electric substations in Wadsworth, Ohio

The City of Wadsworth has owned and operated its own electric distribution system since 1916. Electricity is purchased from a diverse portfolio of power supply sources, including the American Municipal Power of Ohio, and serves over 13,000 customers. The municipal system provides free street lighting, free electricity for city operations, and rates for customers that are lower than those of private utilities. The City presently has seven substations in strategic locations in Wadsworth and Sharon Center.

The Wadsworth Generating Station, which has a physical address of 365 Broad Street, Wadsworth, OH 44281, is comprised of two 10.8MW diesel engine-generated power units. These are interconnected to the Holmesbrook and Industrial Park substations. These substations are designed to help the city-owned electric system offset the rising costs of transmission and capacity fees during peak electric usage days.

The municipal system is highly reliable due to a well-designed loop system that prevents brownouts and minimizes outages. It is also highly automated, further reducing the likelihood of outages. The City of Wadsworth is a Public Power Community, which means that its loyalty is to its customer-owners, not to making profits for stockholders.

Wadsworth Electric offers a range of programs to help customers save on their energy costs, including the Community Energy Savings Program, which offers one-time incentives and rebates for those with smart thermostats. The Peak Rewards Program is another voluntary program that helps reduce high-energy demand during the hottest summer days. Customers can earn $25 upon enrolling and $40 every summer that they participate.

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Ohio's Service Territory power lines

In Ohio's Service Territory, power lines of 100 kV and above are subject to the jurisdiction of the Ohio Power Siting Board. The construction of new power transmission lines and substations, as well as the modification of existing ones, is regulated by the Board.

The process involves submitting a standard certificate application to the Ohio Power Siting Board, which requires detailed information on two potential sites or routes. Each proposed site or route must be designated as a preferred or alternate option, with both being viable alternatives for constructing the facility.

For the construction of new electric power transmission lines above 100 kV, there are two scenarios. If the proposed lines are greater than 2 miles in length or require re-routes that total more than 2 miles, an approximate 7-month review process is initiated. On the other hand, if the new lines are not greater than 2 miles in length, but exceed 0.2 miles, a 90-day review process is undertaken, with a 28-day expedited review option.

Similarly, the upgrade or expansion of existing power transmission substations is subject to review processes. If the expansion of the fenced area exceeds 20%, an approximate 90-day review is conducted, with a 28-day expedited option. Smaller expansions of 20% or less trigger a shorter review process, typically lasting less than 90 days with a 21-day expedited option.

The US Electric Power Transmission Lines in Ohio dataset provides valuable information for professionals involved in infrastructure and utility projects. It includes details on 34 transmission line features, classified as AC and overhead, with attributes such as voltage levels, ownership, and substation connections. This dataset assists in understanding the electrical grid's layout across Ohio.

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Ohio Power Siting Board

The Ohio Power Siting Board (OPSB) is a state agency in Ohio that is responsible for siting energy generation and transmission infrastructure facilities that are classified as "major utility facilities". This includes utility-scale wind and solar projects. The OPSB has jurisdiction over power lines of 100 kV and above in Ohio's Service Territory.

The OPSB issues regulatory filings for the construction of new electric power transmission lines operating at or above 100 kilovolts and greater than 0.2 miles in length. It also regulates the reconstruction of existing transmission lines at or above the same voltage and length parameters. These projects undergo review processes that can range from 21 days to 7 months.

The OPSB's rules and procedures have undergone revisions, with updated rules coming into effect as recently as May 30, 2024. These revisions include additional notice requirements and mapping software with aerial imagery for applicants. The OPSB also clarifies that alternative routes for electric transmission lines need not be fully developed as part of the application filing.

The OPSB website, opsb.ohio.gov, provides further information on the Board's regulatory filings, certificate applications, and other relevant details.

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FirstEnergy's Ohio Transmission Projects

FirstEnergy Corp. has undertaken several transmission projects in Ohio to enhance electric service for its customers and ensure system reliability. One notable project is the Bruce Mansfield-Glenwillow 345-kV Project, which involves constructing a 119-mile transmission line from Beaver County, Pennsylvania, to a new substation in Glenwillow, a suburb of Cleveland. This project was completed ahead of schedule, with PJM Interconnection authorizing construction upgrades in mid-2012 following the retirement of several FirstEnergy generating plants in Northeast Ohio.

Another significant FirstEnergy initiative in Ohio is the Energizing the Future program, which aims to upgrade the company's transmission system with advanced equipment and technologies. As part of this initiative, FirstEnergy has invested $9 billion through 2021, focusing on enhancing service reliability, strengthening system resiliency, and accommodating increasing electricity demand. One example of this initiative in action is the 13-mile upgrade to a high-voltage transmission line in Carroll and Columbiana counties in eastern Ohio, which is the first phase of a larger 64-mile transmission line project.

FirstEnergy has also completed the Allen Junction-Midway-LeMoyne 345-kV Project, which added 48 miles of new transmission lines to connect several existing substations and the new Dowling substation. Additionally, the Niles 345-kV Project extended an existing 345-kV transmission line into a new substation in Trumbull County, Ohio. These projects represent significant milestones in improving electric reliability in northern Ohio and preparing the region for peak energy usage.

Furthermore, FirstEnergy has undertaken additional transmission projects in Ohio, including the Bayshore-Jeep No. 2 Stickney 138 kV Transmission Line Structure Relocation and Replacement Project, and the Fostoria West End (AEP) Lemoyne-West Fremont 138-kV Transmission Line and Woodville No. 2 Substation Upgrade Project. These projects demonstrate FirstEnergy's commitment to ensuring reliable and consistent voltage levels for its customers throughout the state.

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AEP Ohio's customer reach

AEP Ohio provides electricity to nearly 1.5 million customers across the state. The company has a strong presence in Ohio, with transmission projects that include the construction and upgrade of electric power transmission substations. These substations are vital for the distribution of electricity, and AEP Ohio ensures a reliable and efficient supply to its vast customer base.

AEP Ohio's commitment to its customers is evident in its transmission projects. The company undertakes construction and re-construction of power transmission lines, ensuring a stable electricity supply. These lines operate at or above 100 kilovolts, and the projects involve significant distances, often exceeding two miles in length. AEP Ohio's expertise in transmission and distribution is key to its extensive reach.

The company's projects are subject to regulatory processes, demonstrating their commitment to safety and compliance. The Ohio Power Siting Board plays a crucial role in overseeing these projects, ensuring they meet the required standards. AEP Ohio's adherence to regulatory requirements ensures the safe and reliable distribution of electricity to its customers.

Additionally, AEP Ohio's team members are dedicated to supporting their communities in times of need. For instance, during the Texas Hill Country floods, AEP Texas Kenedy Service Crew Leader, Ben Rosales, was moved to take action, demonstrating the company's values and commitment to its customers during challenging times. AEP Ohio's customer reach, therefore, goes beyond providing electricity; it is about empowering and supporting the people of Ohio.

Frequently asked questions

Electric substations are located in Wadsworth and Sharon Center, Ohio.

The substations are located in strategic locations to serve customer load reliably and efficiently.

The City of Wadsworth has owned and operated its electric distribution system since 1916.

The construction of a new electric power transmission substation or upgrade of an existing substation with a greater than 20% expansion of the fenced area requires a 90-day review process and a 28-day expedited review process.

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