Overview
Distributing Station 61 is an operational electrical substation in Los Angeles, California, owned and operated by the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP). It serves the city's power distribution network with voltage levels of 34.5 kV an
Distributing Station 61 is an electrical substation located in Los Angeles, California, United States. Owned and operated by the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP), this facility is part of the city's electrical infrastructure, stepping down transmission voltages for local distribution. The substation operates at voltage levels of 34.5 kV and 4.8 kV, indicating a role in medium-voltage distribution. As part of LADWP's grid, Distributing Station 61 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. The substation likely employs modern automation and protection systems, such as those based on the IEC 61850 standard, to ensure reliable power delivery to urban customers. The substation's location in a densely populated urban area underscores its critical role in maintaining grid stability for residential, commercial, and industrial users. By stepping down voltage for local distribution, it supports the reliable supply of electricity to thousands of customers in Los Angeles, contributing to the city's economic activity and quality of life.
Environmental context
Located in the Los Angeles Basin, the substation operates in a region with a Mediterranean climate and high air quality concerns. The facility's urban setting means it is subject to strict local environmental regulations regarding noise, electromagnetic fields, and visual impact. LADWP's grid integration with renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, may influence the substation's operational patterns, requiring flexible voltage regulation to accommodate variable generation.
Frequently asked questions
Distributing Station 61 is located in Los Angeles, California, United States, at coordinates 34.063817, -118.299997.
Distributing Station 61 is owned and operated by the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP), the municipal utility serving Los Angeles.
Distributing Station 61 operates at voltage levels of 34.5 kV and 4.8 kV, typical for medium-voltage distribution substations.
Substations in the United States must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations. Additionally, the IEC 61850 standard is commonly used for substation automation and communication.
As a distribution substation, Distributing Station 61 steps down transmission-level voltage to lower voltages for delivery to homes and businesses, ensuring reliable electricity supply in its service area.