[1] The first full-scale static var (reactive volt-ampere) compensator began operating at the Tennessee Valley Authority's Sullivan substation in 1995. It can provide voltage support through all-electronic control—that is, without the need for a large external capacitor bank. This winter, GEC Alsthom T&D Power Electronics Systems Ltd., Stafford, United Kingdom, received an order from Britain's National Grid Company PLC, to design, build, and supply a similar facility for a substation northwest of London.