Overview
Riverbank Switching Station is an operational electrical substation in California, United States, operated by Pacific Gas and Electric Company. It operates at a voltage of 115 kV, serving the regional grid.
Riverbank Switching Station is an operational electrical substation located in California, United States. The facility is owned and operated by Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), a major investor-owned utility serving northern and central California. The substation operates at a voltage of 115 kV, classifying it as a sub-transmission or distribution-level asset within the broader electrical infrastructure. As a PG&E facility, Riverbank Switching Station operates under the regulatory oversight of the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and must comply with North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) reliability standards. The substation likely plays a role in stepping down voltage from higher transmission levels or switching power flows to maintain grid stability in the region. The substation's location in California's Central Valley places it within a region with significant agricultural and industrial energy demand. Its operational status ensures continued support for local distribution networks, contributing to the reliability of electricity supply for surrounding communities and businesses. The facility is part of PG&E's extensive network of substations that facilitate power delivery across its service territory.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in California's Central Valley, a region characterized by hot, dry summers and mild winters. The area is prone to wildfire risk, which can impact overhead transmission lines and substation equipment. PG&E has implemented enhanced vegetation management and grid hardening measures to mitigate fire hazards. The substation's urban-rural interface location means it must balance operational reliability with environmental considerations such as land use and wildlife corridors.
Frequently asked questions
Riverbank Switching Station is located in California, United States, near the city of Riverbank in Stanislaus County. Its approximate coordinates are 37.8564 N, -120.9122 W.
Riverbank Switching Station operates at a voltage of 115 kV (115,000 volts), which is typical for sub-transmission and distribution substations in the United States.
Riverbank Switching Station is owned and operated by Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), a major utility serving northern and central California.
Substations in the United States must comply with NERC reliability standards for grid stability and FERC regulations for interstate transmission. Additionally, state-level oversight by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) applies to PG&E facilities.
A switching station is a type of substation that allows for the connection and disconnection of transmission lines without transforming voltage. It provides flexibility in routing power and isolating faults, enhancing grid reliability.