Overview
ComEd Devon 138kV Substation is an operational electrical substation in Chicago, Illinois, owned and operated by Commonwealth Edison. It operates at 138 kV, supporting grid stability in the region.
ComEd Devon 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 is part of the regional high-voltage transmission network. The substation operates at 138 kV, a standard voltage level for subtransmission and distribution, indicating its role in stepping down power from higher-voltage lines for local distribution. As a 138 kV substation, it falls under the regulatory oversight of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), which enforce reliability standards for the bulk power system. ComEd, as the operator, adheres to NERC's Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) standards and FERC's tariff requirements. Located in the Chicago metropolitan area, this substation serves a densely populated urban environment, supporting residential, commercial, and industrial loads. Its operational status ensures reliable electricity supply to the community, contributing to grid resilience. The facility's strategic position within ComEd's network underscores its importance in maintaining voltage stability and power quality for the region.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in an urban area of Chicago, where electrical infrastructure must balance reliability with environmental considerations such as electromagnetic fields and land use. The 138 kV voltage level is typical for subtransmission, and the facility's design likely includes measures to minimize visual impact and noise. Its operation supports the integration of renewable energy sources and grid modernization efforts in the region.
Frequently asked questions
ComEd Devon 138kV Substation is located in Chicago, Illinois, United States, at approximate coordinates 41.998771, -87.739153.
The substation operates at 138 kV (138,000 volts), a standard subtransmission voltage level used for distributing power from high-voltage transmission lines to local distribution networks.
The substation is owned and operated by Commonwealth Edison (ComEd), a subsidiary of Exelon Corporation, which provides electricity to millions of customers in northern Illinois.
As part of the US bulk power system, the substation must comply with NERC reliability standards, including CIP for cybersecurity, and FERC regulations for transmission service and rates.
A 138 kV substation typically steps down voltage from higher transmission levels (e.g., 345 kV) to distribution levels (e.g., 34.5 kV or 12 kV), serving as a critical node for reliable electricity delivery to urban and suburban areas.