Overview
Centralia is an operational substation in Illinois, United States, owned and operated by Ameren. It operates at 138 kV, serving as a key node in the regional electrical grid.
Centralia is an operational electrical substation located in Illinois, United States. Owned and operated by Ameren, a major utility in the Midwest, this facility plays a role in the transmission and distribution of electricity within the region. The substation operates at a voltage of 138 kV, which is a common transmission-level voltage in the United States, indicating its function in stepping down power from higher-voltage lines for local distribution. As part of the U.S. electrical infrastructure, Centralia operates under the regulatory framework established by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and adheres to reliability standards set by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC). The substation likely includes modern switchgear and protection systems to ensure grid stability and safety. Ameren's network in Illinois is integrated with the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) regional transmission organization, which coordinates electricity flow across multiple states. The substation's location in Centralia, a city in southern Illinois, supports the local community's power needs. Its operational status ensures continued reliability for residential, commercial, and industrial customers in the area. The facility contributes to the overall resilience of the regional grid, particularly during peak demand periods or extreme weather events common in the Midwest.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in a rural-urban transition area in southern Illinois, where the local environment includes agricultural land and small urban centers. The 138 kV voltage level indicates moderate environmental footprint, with typical considerations including electromagnetic field management and vegetation clearance around transmission lines. The facility's operation aligns with Ameren's environmental policies, which emphasize compliance with state and federal regulations on emissions and land use.
Frequently asked questions
The Centralia substation is located in Centralia, Illinois, United States, at coordinates 38.504253, -89.153941.
The Centralia substation operates at 138 kV (138,000 volts), which is a standard transmission voltage in the United States.
The Centralia substation is owned and operated by Ameren, a major utility company serving the Midwest region of the United States.
Substations in the United States must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations. They also follow IEEE and ISO/IEC 61850 standards for automation and protection.
A 138 kV substation typically steps down high-voltage transmission power for distribution to local networks, serving industrial, commercial, and residential customers. It also provides switching and protection functions to maintain grid stability.