Overview
ComEd Matteson Substation is an operational electrical substation in Matteson, Illinois, operated by Commonwealth Edison at 138 kV voltage level.
ComEd Matteson Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Matteson, Illinois, United States. It is owned and operated by Commonwealth Edison (ComEd), a major electric utility serving northern Illinois. The substation operates at a voltage of 138 kV, placing it in the medium-to-high voltage range typical for distribution and sub-transmission substations in the region. As part of ComEd's extensive grid infrastructure, the substation plays a role in stepping down voltage from higher transmission lines to distribution levels for local residential and commercial customers. The facility operates under the regulatory oversight of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for wholesale electricity markets and the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) for retail service. ComEd's substations are designed to meet North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) reliability standards, ensuring grid stability and power quality. The substation's location in Matteson, a village in Cook County, supports the electrical needs of a suburban community within the Chicago metropolitan area. Its operational status contributes to the reliability of the local distribution network, serving as a critical node for electricity delivery. The facility's age and specific equipment details are not publicly available, but typical substations of this voltage class use air-insulated or gas-insulated switchgear to manage power flow safely.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in a suburban area of Matteson, Illinois, within the Chicago metropolitan region. The local environment is characterized by mixed residential and commercial land use, with proximity to transportation corridors. Electrical infrastructure in such settings must consider electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure limits and stormwater management for transformer oil containment. The 138 kV voltage level indicates moderate environmental considerations, as higher voltages require larger clearances and more robust insulation systems to prevent electrical discharge and minimize ecological impact.
Frequently asked questions
ComEd Matteson Substation is located in Matteson, Illinois, United States, at coordinates 41.492010, -87.708978.
ComEd Matteson Substation operates at a voltage of 138 kV (138,000 volts), which is typical for sub-transmission and distribution substations in the United States.
ComEd Matteson Substation is owned and operated by Commonwealth Edison (ComEd), the primary electric utility serving northern Illinois.
Substations in the United States must comply with North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) reliability standards and are subject to Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) oversight for interstate electricity transmission. State-level regulation is handled by the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC).
A 138 kV substation typically steps down voltage from higher transmission lines (e.g., 345 kV) to distribution levels (e.g., 34.5 kV or 12 kV) for delivery to homes and businesses. It also provides switching and protection functions to maintain grid reliability.