Overview
Riverbank 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.
Riverbank Substation is an operational electrical substation located in California, United States. Owned and operated by Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), this facility is part of the state's extensive electrical infrastructure network. The substation operates at a voltage of 115 kV, classifying it as a medium-voltage substation that plays a role in distributing power to local communities and industries. As a substation within the PG&E system, Riverbank Substation is subject to regulatory oversight by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and must comply with North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) reliability standards. These standards ensure grid stability and security, including requirements for maintenance, cybersecurity, and operational planning. The 115 kV voltage level is typical for subtransmission or distribution substations, which step down power from higher transmission voltages for local use. Environmentally, the substation's location in California's Central Valley places it in a region with significant agricultural and residential demand. The facility supports grid reliability for surrounding areas, contributing to the state's energy resilience. As part of PG&E's network, it plays a role in integrating renewable energy sources and managing load fluctuations, which is increasingly important given California's ambitious clean energy goals.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in California's Central Valley, a region with a Mediterranean climate and significant agricultural activity. The area experiences hot, dry summers and mild winters, which can lead to high electricity demand for irrigation and cooling. The substation's 115 kV voltage level is typical for distribution networks serving rural and suburban communities, and its operation is critical for maintaining grid stability in a region prone to wildfires and seismic activity.
Frequently asked questions
Riverbank Substation is located in California, United States, near the city of Riverbank in Stanislaus County. Its approximate coordinates are 37.769158 N, -120.907725 W.
Riverbank Substation operates at a voltage of 115 kV (115,000 volts), which is a medium-voltage level commonly used for subtransmission and distribution in the United States.
Riverbank Substation is owned and operated by Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), one of the largest investor-owned utilities in the United States, serving northern and central California.
Substations in the United States must comply with NERC reliability standards for grid stability and security, as well as FERC regulations for interstate electricity transmission. PG&E also adheres to California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) rules.
A 115 kV substation typically steps down voltage from higher transmission levels (e.g., 230 kV or 500 kV) for distribution to local areas. It serves as a critical node for power flow control and reliability, often supplying industrial, commercial, and residential customers.