Overview
ComEd Elmhurst 138kV-345kV Substation is an operational electrical substation in Elmhurst, Illinois, owned and operated by Commonwealth Edison. It handles voltages of 345 kV, 138 kV, and 34.5 kV, serving the regional grid.
ComEd Elmhurst 138kV-345kV Substation is a key electrical infrastructure facility located in Elmhurst, Illinois, United States. Owned and operated by Commonwealth Edison (ComEd), a major utility in the region, the substation is operational and plays a critical role in the local and regional power distribution network. The facility handles multiple voltage levels, including 345 kV, 138 kV, and 34.5 kV, indicating its function as a transmission and distribution substation. The substation operates under the regulatory framework of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), which set reliability standards for the bulk power system in the United States. As part of the PJM Interconnection, the substation is subject to grid reliability requirements and market rules. The facility's voltage levels suggest it is a significant node in the transmission network, stepping down high-voltage power for distribution to local communities. Environmentally, the substation's location in a suburban area near Chicago means it supports a densely populated region with high electricity demand. Its role in voltage transformation and grid stability is crucial for reliable power supply to residential, commercial, and industrial customers. The substation's age and specific equipment are not detailed, but its operational status indicates ongoing maintenance and compliance with modern grid standards.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in a suburban environment in Elmhurst, Illinois, part of the greater Chicago metropolitan area. The region experiences a humid continental climate with hot summers and cold winters, leading to seasonal peaks in electricity demand for heating and cooling. The facility's location in a densely populated area underscores its importance for grid reliability and voltage stability, particularly during extreme weather events. The surrounding land use is predominantly residential and commercial, with proximity to transportation corridors.
Frequently asked questions
The substation is located in Elmhurst, Illinois, United States, at coordinates 41.922750, -87.922715.
The substation handles voltages of 345 kV, 138 kV, and 34.5 kV, indicating its role in both high-voltage transmission and lower-voltage distribution.
The substation is owned and operated by Commonwealth Edison (ComEd), a major electric utility serving northern Illinois.
As part of the US bulk power system, the substation must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations, as well as PJM Interconnection requirements.
A 345 kV substation typically serves as a transmission node, stepping down high-voltage electricity from long-distance lines to lower voltages for regional distribution, ensuring grid stability and reliability.