Overview
Clearing Substation is an operational electrical substation owned by Commonwealth Edison in the United States. It operates at 138 kV, serving the Chicago area grid.
Clearing Substation is an operational electrical substation located in the United States, owned and operated by Commonwealth Edison (ComEd), a major utility serving northern Illinois. The facility operates at a voltage of 138 kV, which is a common transmission-level voltage in the US, indicating its role in distributing power from high-voltage transmission lines to local distribution networks. As part of ComEd's grid, Clearing Substation is subject to regulatory oversight by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and must comply with North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) reliability standards. Substations like this one are critical for maintaining grid stability, especially in urban areas where demand is high. The 138 kV voltage level suggests it serves as a primary substation, stepping down power for further distribution. The substation's location near Chicago places it in a densely populated region with significant electricity demand. Its operational status ensures continued reliability for residential, commercial, and industrial customers. Substations are key nodes in the electrical infrastructure, enabling voltage transformation and switching to maintain a stable power supply.
Environmental context
The substation is located in an urban setting near Chicago, where electrical infrastructure must balance reliability with environmental considerations. Urban substations often incorporate measures to mitigate noise and visual impact, and may use gas-insulated switchgear to reduce footprint. The 138 kV voltage level is typical for urban transmission, requiring careful planning to avoid electromagnetic interference and ensure safety.
Frequently asked questions
Clearing Substation is located in the United States, near Chicago, Illinois, at coordinates 41.770950, -87.776400.
Clearing Substation operates at a voltage of 138 kV, which is a standard transmission-level voltage in the United States.
Clearing Substation is owned and operated by Commonwealth Edison (ComEd), a major electric utility serving northern Illinois.
Substations in the United States must comply with NERC reliability standards and are regulated by FERC for transmission-level assets. ComEd, as a utility, adheres to these standards to ensure grid reliability.
A 138 kV substation typically steps down high-voltage transmission power for distribution to local networks, playing a critical role in maintaining voltage stability and reliability in urban areas.