Overview
Howland Road Substation is an operational electrical substation in California, United States, owned and operated by Pacific Gas and Electric Company. It operates at a voltage of 115 kV, serving the local grid.
Howland Road Substation is an operational electrical substation located in California, United States. Owned and operated by Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), the facility is part of the state's extensive electrical infrastructure network. The substation operates at a voltage of 115 kV, classifying it as a sub-transmission or distribution-level asset within PG&E's system. As a substation in California, Howland Road Substation is subject to regulatory oversight by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and must comply with North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) reliability standards. PG&E, as the transmission owner and operator, adheres to FERC regulations for interconnection and grid stability. The 115 kV voltage level is typical for distributing power to local communities and industrial areas. The substation plays a critical role in maintaining grid reliability for the surrounding region. Its location in California, a state with ambitious renewable energy goals, means it may integrate power from solar and wind sources. The facility's operational status ensures continued electricity supply to residential, commercial, and industrial customers, supporting economic activity and community well-being.
Environmental context
The substation is located in California, a region with diverse environmental conditions including seismic activity and wildfire risks. PG&E implements vegetation management and equipment upgrades to mitigate fire hazards. The facility's 115 kV voltage level is typical for urban and suburban distribution, and its operation supports the integration of renewable energy sources as California transitions to a cleaner grid.
Frequently asked questions
Howland Road Substation is located in California, United States, at coordinates 37.808784, -121.276534. It is owned and operated by Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E).
Howland Road Substation operates at a voltage of 115 kV, which is typical for sub-transmission and distribution-level substations in the United States.
Howland Road Substation is owned and operated by Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), a major investor-owned utility serving northern and central California.
Substations in the United States must comply with NERC reliability standards for grid stability and FERC regulations for transmission. In California, the CPUC also oversees utility operations.
As a 115 kV substation, Howland Road helps distribute electricity from transmission lines to local distribution networks, ensuring reliable power supply to homes and businesses in the region.