Overview
Pleasant Valley Substation is an operational electrical substation in Illinois, United States, owned and operated by Commonwealth Edison. It handles voltages of 345 kV and 138 kV, serving as a key node in the regional transmission grid.
Pleasant Valley Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Illinois, United States, owned and operated by Commonwealth Edison, a major utility in the region. The facility handles high-voltage transmission at 345 kV and 138 kV, indicating its role in both bulk power transmission and sub-transmission distribution. As part of the Commonwealth Edison network, it supports the electricity needs of northern Illinois, including the Chicago metropolitan area. The substation operates under the regulatory framework of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), which enforce reliability standards for the U.S. bulk power system. With voltage levels of 345 kV and 138 kV, the facility is classified as a transmission-level asset, critical for grid stability and power flow management. The use of dual voltage levels suggests it may include step-down transformers to connect the high-voltage transmission grid to lower-voltage distribution networks. Pleasant Valley Substation plays a vital role in maintaining reliable electricity supply for residential, commercial, and industrial customers in the region. Its location in Illinois, a state with a diverse energy mix including nuclear, coal, and renewables, underscores its importance in integrating power from various generation sources. The substation's operational status and ownership by a major utility highlight its significance in the regional electrical infrastructure.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in a rural or suburban area of Illinois, where land use is a mix of agriculture and residential development. The high-voltage equipment, including transformers and switchgear, is designed to minimize environmental impact through proper insulation and containment measures. The facility's operation contributes to grid reliability, which supports the integration of renewable energy sources and reduces reliance on less efficient generation.
Frequently asked questions
Pleasant Valley Substation is located in Illinois, United States, at coordinates 42.257091, -88.440039. It is owned and operated by Commonwealth Edison.
Pleasant Valley Substation handles voltages of 345 kV and 138 kV, making it a transmission-level substation that connects high-voltage power lines to lower-voltage distribution networks.
Pleasant Valley Substation is owned and operated by Commonwealth Edison, a major electric utility serving northern Illinois, including the Chicago area.
Substations in the United States operate under NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations, which ensure grid stability, cybersecurity, and equipment maintenance. The facility likely complies with ISO/IEC 61850 for substation automation.
As a 345/138 kV substation, it plays a critical role in transmitting electricity from generation sources to distribution networks, supporting reliable power supply for residential, commercial, and industrial customers in Illinois.