Overview
Woodland Substation is an operational electrical substation in California, owned and operated by Pacific Gas and Electric Company, operating at 115 kV.
Woodland 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 regional transmission and distribution network. The substation operates at a voltage of 115 kV, which is typical for sub-transmission and distribution-level infrastructure serving local communities. As a 115 kV substation, Woodland Substation plays a role in stepping down higher transmission voltages for distribution to residential, commercial, and industrial customers in the surrounding area. PG&E is a major investor-owned utility subject to regulation by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and must comply with North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) reliability standards. The substation likely includes switchgear, transformers, and protection systems that adhere to IEEE and ISO/IEC 61850 standards for automation and communication. The substation's location in California's Central Valley places it in a region with growing energy demand, driven by agriculture and urban development. Its operational status ensures grid stability and power delivery to local communities. As part of PG&E's infrastructure, Woodland Substation contributes to the resilience of the regional electrical grid, supporting both everyday electricity needs and emergency response capabilities.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in California's Central Valley, a region with a Mediterranean climate and significant agricultural activity. Electrical infrastructure in this area must contend with seasonal heat waves that increase electricity demand for cooling, as well as wildfire risks that can affect overhead lines and equipment. The 115 kV voltage level indicates a role in local distribution, with potential environmental considerations including electromagnetic fields and land use for substation footprint.
Frequently asked questions
Woodland Substation is located in California, United States, near the city of Woodland in Yolo County. Its coordinates are approximately 38.6785° N, -121.7600° W.
Woodland Substation is owned and operated by Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), a major investor-owned utility serving northern and central California.
Woodland Substation operates at 115 kV (115,000 volts), which is a common voltage for sub-transmission and distribution substations in the United States.
Substations in the United States must comply with North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) reliability standards, as well as Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) regulations for transmission assets. Additionally, IEEE and ISO/IEC 61850 standards govern substation automation and communication.
A 115 kV substation typically steps down higher transmission voltages (e.g., 230 kV or 500 kV) to distribution voltages (e.g., 12 kV or 4 kV) for delivery to homes and businesses. It also provides switching and protection functions to maintain grid reliability.