Overview
West Mount Vernon Substation is an operational electrical substation in Illinois, United States, owned and operated by Ameren. It handles voltages of 345 kV and 138 kV, serving the regional grid.
West Mount Vernon Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Illinois, United States. Owned and operated by Ameren, a major utility in the Midwest, the facility plays a key role in the regional transmission network. The substation handles high-voltage electricity at 345 kV and 138 kV, indicating its function as a critical node for bulk power transfer and distribution. As part of the U.S. electrical infrastructure, this substation operates under the regulatory framework of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). These bodies enforce reliability standards for transmission assets, ensuring grid stability and security. The substation's voltage levels suggest it connects long-distance transmission lines to local distribution networks, typical of large-scale substations in the region. The substation's location in rural Illinois supports the local community's electricity needs and contributes to the broader Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) grid. Its operational status ensures continued service for residential, commercial, and industrial customers in the area, highlighting its importance in maintaining reliable power supply.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in a rural area of Illinois, characterized by agricultural land and scattered communities. Its operation involves electromagnetic fields and potential impacts on local wildlife, though modern substations are designed to minimize ecological disruption. The facility's high voltage levels require careful management of vegetation and wildlife to prevent outages, aligning with standard environmental practices for electrical infrastructure in the region.
Frequently asked questions
West Mount Vernon Substation is located in Illinois, United States, near the city of Mount Vernon. Its coordinates are approximately 38.333451 N, -88.968320 W.
The substation handles two voltage levels: 345 kV and 138 kV. These high voltages are typical for transmission and sub-transmission networks, allowing efficient long-distance power transfer.
The substation is owned and operated by Ameren, a major utility company serving the Midwest region of the United States.
As part of the U.S. electrical grid, the substation must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations. These ensure the secure and reliable operation of transmission assets.
The substation serves as a critical node in the regional transmission network, stepping down high-voltage power from 345 kV to 138 kV for distribution to local areas. It supports grid stability and reliability in the MISO region.