Overview
Blue Mound Substation is an operational electrical substation in Illinois, United States, owned and operated by Commonwealth Edison. It operates at 345 kV, serving as a critical node in the regional transmission grid.
Blue Mound Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Illinois, United States. Owned and operated by Commonwealth Edison, the facility is part of the high-voltage transmission network that supports the regional power grid. With a voltage level of 345 kV, it is classified as a large-scale substation, playing a key role in bulk electricity transmission. The substation operates under the regulatory oversight of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and adheres to North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) reliability standards. These standards ensure grid stability and security, particularly for high-voltage assets like Blue Mound Substation. The facility's technology aligns with typical US substation practices, including the use of circuit breakers, transformers, and protection systems compliant with IEEE standards. As part of Commonwealth Edison's network, Blue Mound Substation contributes to the reliable delivery of electricity to residential, commercial, and industrial customers in Illinois. Its 345 kV voltage level indicates its importance in interconnecting generation sources with load centers, enhancing grid resilience and supporting regional energy needs.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in a rural area of Illinois, characterized by agricultural land and scattered residential developments. Its operation involves electromagnetic fields and potential oil spill risks from transformers, though modern containment measures mitigate these. The facility's high voltage (345 kV) requires significant clearance and right-of-way corridors, which can impact local land use and wildlife habitats. However, such infrastructure is essential for integrating renewable energy sources and reducing transmission losses.
Frequently asked questions
Blue Mound Substation is located in Illinois, United States, at coordinates 40.478841, -88.797400.
Blue Mound Substation operates at 345 kV, which is a high-voltage level used for bulk power transmission in the US grid.
Blue Mound Substation is owned and operated by Commonwealth Edison, a major electric utility in Illinois.
As part of the US transmission grid, Blue Mound Substation must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations, ensuring grid stability and security.
A 345 kV substation like Blue Mound serves as a critical node in the transmission network, stepping down voltage for distribution or interconnecting high-voltage lines to enhance grid reliability and efficiency.