Overview
South Elwood Substation is an operational electrical substation in the United States, owned and operated by American Electric Power. It operates at a voltage of 138 kV, serving the local grid.
South Elwood Substation is an operational electrical substation located in the United States, owned and operated by American Electric Power. The facility operates at a voltage of 138 kV, which is typical for sub-transmission and distribution-level infrastructure, supporting regional grid stability and power distribution. As a substation under American Electric Power, South Elwood Substation operates within the regulatory framework of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). These standards ensure reliable and secure operation of the bulk power system, including voltage regulation, protection coordination, and maintenance protocols. The 138 kV voltage level places this facility in the medium-to-high voltage range, commonly used for interconnecting distribution networks and industrial customers. The substation plays a critical role in the local electrical infrastructure, facilitating the step-down of transmission voltages for distribution to end-users. Its operational status indicates ongoing contribution to grid reliability in the region. The facility's location in the United States benefits from a mature regulatory environment and established utility practices, ensuring consistent performance and safety standards.
Environmental context
The substation is located in a region with a temperate climate, typical of the Midwestern United States. Electrical infrastructure at this voltage level is generally designed to withstand seasonal weather variations, including temperature extremes and precipitation. The facility's environmental impact is primarily associated with land use and electromagnetic fields, which are managed through standard siting and operational practices. The surrounding area likely includes agricultural or suburban land uses, common for substations in this region.
Frequently asked questions
South Elwood Substation is located in the United States, with coordinates approximately 40.2622 N, -85.8297 W. It is part of the American Electric Power grid.
South Elwood Substation operates at a voltage of 138 kV, which is a common sub-transmission voltage level used for distributing power from transmission lines to local distribution networks.
South Elwood Substation is owned and operated by American Electric Power (AEP), one of the largest electric utilities in the United States, serving millions of customers across multiple states.
Substations in the United States operate under NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations. These include requirements for maintenance, protection systems, and cybersecurity to ensure grid stability and safety.
A 138 kV substation typically steps down transmission voltages (e.g., 345 kV or 230 kV) to distribution voltages (e.g., 69 kV or 34.5 kV) for local delivery. It also provides switching and protection functions to isolate faults and maintain service reliability.