Overview
ESS J310-2 Argonne is an operational substation in Illinois, United States, owned and operated by Commonwealth Edison. It operates at a voltage of 138 kV, serving the local grid.
ESS J310-2 Argonne is a substation located in Illinois, United States, and is part of the electrical infrastructure owned and operated by Commonwealth Edison, a major utility in the region. The facility is operational and plays a role in the transmission and distribution of electricity at a voltage level of 138 kV, which is typical for sub-transmission or distribution substations in the United States. As a substation operating under the jurisdiction of the United States, ESS J310-2 Argonne is subject to reliability standards set by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and regulatory oversight by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for its role in the bulk power system. The 138 kV voltage level indicates it likely serves as a distribution substation, stepping down power from higher transmission voltages to serve local communities or industrial customers. The substation's location in Illinois places it within the regional grid managed by the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO), which coordinates the reliable supply of electricity across multiple states. ESS J310-2 Argonne contributes to grid stability and power delivery in its area, supporting residential, commercial, and industrial electricity needs.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in a suburban or industrial area near Argonne, Illinois, where land use is a mix of residential, commercial, and research facilities. Its operation involves electromagnetic fields and potential oil containment from transformers, which are managed under environmental regulations. The site's proximity to the Argonne National Laboratory may imply a focus on reliable power supply for research activities.
Frequently asked questions
ESS J310-2 Argonne is located in Illinois, United States, near the Argonne National Laboratory area, with coordinates approximately 41.6961 N, -87.9708 W.
ESS J310-2 Argonne operates at a voltage of 138 kV, which is a common voltage for sub-transmission or distribution substations in the United States.
The substation is owned and operated by Commonwealth Edison, a major electric utility serving northern Illinois, including the Chicago area.
Substations in the United States must comply with NERC reliability standards for grid stability and FERC regulations for interstate electricity transmission. Additionally, local and state environmental regulations apply.
A 138 kV substation typically steps down voltage from higher transmission levels (e.g., 345 kV) to distribution levels (e.g., 34.5 kV or 12 kV) for local delivery to homes and businesses, or it may serve as a switching station for grid routing.