Overview
Cordelia Substation is an operational electrical substation in California, United States, owned and operated by Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E). It operates at 115 kV, serving the regional grid.
Cordelia Substation is an operational electrical substation located in California, United States. Owned and operated by Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), it is part of the state's extensive transmission and distribution network. The substation operates at a voltage of 115 kV, classifying it as a sub-transmission or distribution-level facility within the broader electrical infrastructure. As a PG&E asset, Cordelia Substation falls under the regulatory oversight of the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and must comply with North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) reliability standards. The facility likely employs modern switchgear and protection systems to ensure grid stability and safety. PG&E's service area covers a large portion of Northern California, including urban and rural communities. The substation plays a key role in local grid reliability, stepping down voltage for distribution to residential, commercial, and industrial customers in the surrounding area. Its location in a seismically active region necessitates robust engineering to withstand earthquakes. The facility contributes to the resilience of California's electrical infrastructure, supporting the state's energy needs and renewable integration goals.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in a region with a Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The area is prone to wildfires, which pose a risk to overhead transmission lines and substation equipment. PG&E has implemented vegetation management and grid hardening measures to mitigate fire risks. The substation's location in a seismically active zone requires earthquake-resistant design to maintain grid stability during seismic events.
Frequently asked questions
Cordelia Substation is located in California, United States, near the city of Fairfield in Solano County. Its approximate coordinates are 38.215905 N, -122.112387 W.
Cordelia Substation is owned and operated by Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), a major investor-owned utility serving Northern California.
Cordelia Substation operates at 115 kV (115,000 volts), which is a common sub-transmission voltage level used for distributing power from higher-voltage transmission lines to local distribution networks.
As part of the US electrical grid, Cordelia Substation must comply with North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) reliability standards and is subject to Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) jurisdiction for transmission-level assets. Additionally, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) oversees PG&E's operations.
A 115 kV substation steps down high-voltage electricity from transmission lines (typically 230 kV or higher) to lower voltages for distribution to homes and businesses. It also provides switching, protection, and monitoring capabilities to ensure grid stability and reliability.