Overview
Rock Falls Substation is an operational electrical substation in Illinois, United States, owned and operated by Commonwealth Edison. It operates at 138 kV, serving the local grid.
Rock Falls Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Illinois, United States. Owned and operated by Commonwealth Edison, a major utility in the region, this facility plays a key role in the local electrical infrastructure. The substation operates at a voltage of 138 kV, which is typical for sub-transmission and distribution-level assets in the US grid. As part of the Commonwealth Edison network, Rock Falls Substation adheres to North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) reliability standards and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) regulations. These frameworks ensure grid stability and compliance with mandatory reliability requirements. The 138 kV voltage level indicates this substation likely serves as a distribution substation, stepping down power from higher transmission voltages to serve local industrial, commercial, and residential loads. The substation's location in rural Illinois supports the regional power distribution network, contributing to reliable electricity supply for the surrounding area. Its operational status and integration into the ComEd grid underscore its importance in maintaining grid stability and meeting community energy needs.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in a rural area of Illinois, where the local environment includes agricultural land and small communities. Electrical infrastructure like this substation has a relatively low direct environmental footprint, primarily involving land use for the facility and potential electromagnetic field considerations. The 138 kV voltage level is typical for distribution substations, which are generally located near load centers to minimize transmission losses. The site's rural setting reduces proximity to sensitive ecological areas, though standard environmental management practices for substations include oil containment for transformers and vegetation management.
Frequently asked questions
Rock Falls Substation is located in Illinois, United States, near the city of Rock Falls. Its coordinates are approximately 41.765847 N, -89.661060 W.
Rock Falls Substation operates at a voltage of 138 kV, which is a common voltage level for sub-transmission and distribution substations in the United States.
Rock Falls Substation is owned and operated by Commonwealth Edison (ComEd), a major electric utility serving northern Illinois.
Substations in the United States must comply with NERC reliability standards for grid stability and FERC regulations for interstate electricity transmission. Additionally, ISO/IEC 61850 standards for substation automation may apply.
A 138 kV substation typically steps down high-voltage transmission power to lower voltages for distribution to local customers. It serves as a critical node in the grid, ensuring reliable electricity supply to industrial, commercial, and residential areas.