Overview
Pacifica Substation is an operational electrical substation in California, United States, owned and operated by Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E). It plays a key role in local grid stability.
Pacifica Substation is an operational electrical substation located in California, United States. Owned and operated by Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), it serves as a critical node in the regional transmission and distribution network. The substation's voltage level and capacity are typical for facilities supporting urban and suburban load centers in the PG&E service territory. As part of PG&E's infrastructure, Pacifica Substation operates under the regulatory oversight of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and adheres to North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) reliability standards. The facility likely employs modern switchgear and automation systems compliant with ISO/IEC 61850 standards to ensure safe and efficient power distribution. The substation contributes to grid resilience in the San Francisco Bay Area, a region with high electricity demand and growing renewable energy integration. Its coastal location near Pacifica requires robust design to withstand seismic and weather-related risks. The facility supports local communities and businesses by maintaining reliable power supply.
Environmental context
Located in a coastal urban area, Pacifica Substation operates in a seismically active region, requiring infrastructure designed for earthquake resilience. The facility's proximity to residential areas and sensitive ecosystems necessitates careful management of electromagnetic fields and stormwater runoff. PG&E's substations are subject to California's stringent environmental regulations, including CEQA review and mitigation measures for noise and visual impacts.
Frequently asked questions
Pacifica Substation is located in California, United States, near the city of Pacifica in San Mateo County. Its coordinates are approximately 37.594865 N, -122.488890 W.
Pacifica Substation is owned and operated by Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), a major investor-owned utility serving northern and central California.
Substations like Pacifica transform voltage levels and route electricity between transmission and distribution networks. They are critical for grid reliability, enabling safe and efficient power delivery to homes and businesses.
As part of the US bulk power system, Pacifica Substation must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations. It also follows California-specific grid requirements and ISO/IEC 61850 for substation automation.
Pacifica Substation supports grid stability in the San Francisco Bay Area by providing voltage regulation and redundancy. Its design accounts for seismic risks and coastal weather, ensuring continued operation during disturbances.