Overview
ComEd Crosby 138kV Substation is an operational electrical substation in Chicago, Illinois, owned by Commonwealth Edison. It operates at 138 kV, serving the local grid.
ComEd Crosby 138kV Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Chicago, Illinois, United States. Owned and operated by Commonwealth Edison (ComEd), a major utility serving northern Illinois, this facility plays a key role in the regional power distribution network. The substation operates at a voltage of 138 kV, which is a common transmission voltage level for distributing electricity from higher-voltage lines to local distribution systems. The substation is part of ComEd's extensive infrastructure, which is regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for wholesale electricity markets and by the Illinois Commerce Commission for retail service. As a 138 kV facility, it falls under the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) reliability standards, ensuring grid stability and compliance with mandatory reliability requirements. Located in an urban area, this substation supports the electrical needs of Chicago's dense population and commercial districts. Its operational status ensures reliable power delivery to homes, businesses, and critical facilities. The substation's role in the grid underscores the importance of maintaining aging infrastructure and investing in upgrades to meet growing demand and resilience requirements.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in an urban environment in Chicago, where electrical infrastructure must balance reliability with environmental considerations. Urban substations often face constraints related to noise, electromagnetic fields, and land use. The 138 kV voltage level indicates a medium-scale facility that connects to both higher-voltage transmission lines and lower-voltage distribution networks. Its location in a densely populated area requires careful management of safety and environmental impacts, including stormwater runoff and potential oil containment from transformers.
Frequently asked questions
ComEd Crosby 138kV Substation is located in Chicago, Illinois, United States, at coordinates 41.902316, -87.646231.
The substation operates at 138 kV, a standard transmission voltage for distributing electricity from high-voltage lines to local distribution networks.
The substation is owned and operated by Commonwealth Edison (ComEd), a major electric utility serving northern Illinois.
As part of the US power grid, this substation must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations for transmission-level assets, ensuring grid stability and reliability.
A 138 kV substation steps down higher transmission voltages (e.g., 345 kV) to lower distribution voltages (e.g., 34.5 kV or 12 kV), serving as a critical node for delivering electricity to urban and suburban areas.