Overview
Avenue #48 Substation is an operational electrical substation in California, United States, owned and operated by the Imperial Irrigation District. It operates at a voltage of 92 kV, supporting regional grid stability.
Avenue #48 Substation is an operational electrical substation located in California, United States. Owned and operated by the Imperial Irrigation District (IID), this facility plays a key role in the local electrical infrastructure, serving the Coachella Valley and surrounding areas. The substation operates at a voltage of 92 kV, classifying it as a medium-voltage facility within the transmission and distribution network. As part of the Imperial Irrigation District's grid, the substation is subject to North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) reliability standards and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) regulations for transmission-level assets. The 92 kV voltage level is typical for sub-transmission or distribution substations, connecting higher-voltage transmission lines to local distribution networks. The substation likely includes switchgear and transformers to step down voltage for local consumption. The substation's location in the arid climate of Southern California presents environmental considerations such as high ambient temperatures and low humidity, which can affect equipment cooling and insulation. The facility supports the electrical needs of agricultural, residential, and commercial customers in the region, contributing to the reliability of the local grid. Its operation by IID, a public utility, underscores its role in community service and regional energy distribution.
Environmental context
Located in the Colorado Desert region of California, the substation operates in a hot, arid climate with average summer temperatures exceeding 40°C. This environment necessitates robust cooling systems for transformers and switchgear to maintain operational efficiency. The facility's proximity to agricultural areas and urban developments means it must balance grid reliability with environmental considerations such as dust mitigation and wildfire risk. The substation's design likely incorporates measures to withstand extreme heat and reduce the risk of equipment failure.
Frequently asked questions
Avenue #48 Substation is located in California, United States, near coordinates 33.699572, -116.242905, within the service area of the Imperial Irrigation District.
Avenue #48 Substation operates at a voltage of 92 kV, which is typical for sub-transmission or distribution substations in the United States.
Avenue #48 Substation is owned and operated by the Imperial Irrigation District (IID), a public utility serving the Imperial and Coachella Valleys in California.
Substations in the United States are subject to NERC reliability standards for grid stability and FERC regulations for transmission-level assets. Local utilities also comply with state-level public utility commission rules.
A 92 kV substation typically steps down voltage from higher transmission lines (e.g., 230 kV) to distribution levels (e.g., 12 kV) for local delivery to homes, businesses, and agricultural customers.