Overview
ComEd Rockwell 138kV Substation is an operational electrical substation in Chicago, Illinois, owned by Commonwealth Edison. It operates at 138 kV, serving the local grid.
ComEd Rockwell 138kV Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Chicago, Illinois, United States. Owned and operated by Commonwealth Edison, a major utility in the region, the facility plays a key role in the local power distribution network. The substation operates at a voltage of 138 kV, which is typical for sub-transmission and distribution substations in urban areas. As part of the U.S. electrical infrastructure, this substation falls under the regulatory oversight of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and must comply with North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) reliability standards. The 138 kV voltage level indicates it serves as a critical node for stepping down power from higher transmission voltages to lower distribution voltages for residential and commercial customers. The facility's urban location in Chicago suggests it supports a dense load center with high reliability requirements. The substation's operational status and connection to the ComEd grid ensure stable electricity supply to the surrounding community. Its role in voltage regulation and load balancing contributes to the overall resilience of the regional power system. As part of a well-regulated utility network, the facility adheres to strict maintenance and safety protocols to minimize outages and ensure continuous service.
Environmental context
Located in an urban area of Chicago, the substation's environmental context is shaped by its proximity to residential and commercial zones. Electrical substations like this one have minimal direct environmental impact but are essential for integrating renewable energy sources and managing grid stability. The facility's design includes measures to contain potential oil leaks from transformers and to mitigate electromagnetic fields, aligning with standard environmental practices for urban electrical infrastructure.
Frequently asked questions
ComEd Rockwell 138kV Substation is located in Chicago, Illinois, United States, at approximate coordinates 41.891863, -87.692277.
The substation operates at 138 kV (138,000 volts), which is a common voltage for sub-transmission and distribution substations in the United States.
The substation is owned and operated by Commonwealth Edison (ComEd), a major electric utility serving northern Illinois.
As part of the U.S. electrical grid, the substation must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations for transmission and distribution assets.
A 138 kV substation typically steps down high-voltage transmission power to lower voltages for distribution to homes and businesses, and may also serve as a switching station for grid reliability.