Overview
ComEd Berkeley 138kV Substation is an operational electrical substation in Berkeley, Illinois, owned by Commonwealth Edison. It operates at 138 kV, serving the regional power grid.
ComEd Berkeley 138kV Substation is a key electrical infrastructure facility located in Berkeley, Illinois, United States. Owned and operated by Commonwealth Edison (ComEd), a major utility serving northern Illinois, this substation plays a critical role in the regional transmission and distribution network. The 138 kV voltage level places it in the medium-to-high voltage range, typical for sub-transmission and distribution substations that feed local distribution systems. The substation operates under the regulatory framework of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), which enforce reliability standards for the bulk power system. As part of ComEd's grid, it adheres to NERC's Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) standards and is subject to state-level oversight by the Illinois Commerce Commission. The facility's equipment likely includes circuit breakers, transformers, and switchgear compliant with IEEE and ANSI standards. Environmentally, the substation is situated in a suburban area near Chicago, supporting residential and commercial electricity demand. Its role in voltage regulation and grid stability is vital for local communities, especially during peak load periods. The facility contributes to the reliability of the PJM Interconnection, the regional transmission organization that coordinates the movement of wholesale electricity in all or parts of 13 states and the District of Columbia.
Environmental context
Located in a suburban setting near Chicago, the ComEd Berkeley 138kV Substation operates in a region with high electricity demand due to dense population and commercial activity. The substation's voltage level and urban location make it critical for grid stability, particularly during summer peak loads. Its equipment age and maintenance practices are key factors in environmental risk, as older switchgear may use sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), a potent greenhouse gas. The facility's proximity to residential areas also necessitates careful management of electromagnetic fields and noise.
Frequently asked questions
ComEd Berkeley 138kV Substation is located in Berkeley, Illinois, United States, near Chicago.
The substation operates at 138 kV, a common voltage for sub-transmission and distribution substations.
The substation is owned and operated by Commonwealth Edison (ComEd), a major electric utility in Illinois.
The substation must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations, as well as state-level oversight by the Illinois Commerce Commission.
A 138 kV substation steps down transmission voltage for local distribution, ensuring reliable electricity supply to residential, commercial, and industrial customers.