Overview
El Patio Substation is an operational 115 kV substation owned by Pacific Gas and Electric Company in San Jose, California, serving the regional electrical grid.
El Patio Substation is an operational electrical substation located in San Jose, California, United States. Owned and operated by Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), it operates at a voltage of 115 kV, classifying it as a sub-transmission or distribution-level facility within the larger grid infrastructure. The substation plays a role in stepping down voltage for local distribution and ensuring reliable power delivery to the surrounding area. As part of PG&E's network, El Patio Substation operates under the regulatory oversight of the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and adheres to North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) reliability standards. The facility is situated in an urbanized region of Santa Clara County, where electrical infrastructure is critical to supporting a dense population and a technology-driven economy. Substations of this voltage class are common in metropolitan areas, providing redundancy and load balancing. The environmental context of El Patio Substation includes its location in a seismically active region, requiring robust engineering to withstand earthquakes. The substation's urban setting means it is subject to stringent land use and safety regulations. Its operation contributes to grid stability for residential, commercial, and industrial customers in San Jose, a major city in Silicon Valley. The facility's role in the local power distribution network underscores its importance to the region's energy reliability.
Environmental context
El Patio Substation is located in an urban area of San Jose, California, a region with a Mediterranean climate and high seismic activity. The substation's design must account for earthquake resilience to maintain grid stability. Its urban setting also involves proximity to residential and commercial zones, requiring adherence to noise and safety regulations. The facility supports the electrical needs of a densely populated area with a significant technology sector, emphasizing the importance of reliable power infrastructure.
Frequently asked questions
El Patio Substation is located in San Jose, California, United States, at coordinates 37.291664, -121.935690.
El Patio Substation is owned and operated by Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), a major utility serving northern and central California.
El Patio Substation operates at a voltage of 115 kV, which is typical for sub-transmission and distribution substations in urban areas.
As part of the US electrical grid, El Patio Substation must comply with NERC reliability standards and is regulated by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC).
A 115 kV substation steps down transmission-level voltage for local distribution, providing power to residential, commercial, and industrial customers while ensuring grid stability.