Overview
Zamora Substation is an operational electrical substation in California, owned and operated by Pacific Gas and Electric Company. It operates at 115 kV, serving the regional grid.
Zamora Substation is an operational electrical substation located in California, United States. Owned and operated by Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), it plays a role in the state's electrical infrastructure. The substation operates at a voltage of 115 kV, which is typical for sub-transmission or distribution-level facilities that help distribute power to local communities. As part of PG&E's network, Zamora Substation operates under the regulatory framework of the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and adheres to North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) reliability standards. The facility is situated in a rural area of Yolo County, which influences its design and operational requirements. Substations of this voltage class are common in agricultural regions, supporting both residential and agricultural loads. The substation's location in California's Central Valley places it within a region with high electricity demand for irrigation and food processing. Its operational status ensures continued reliability for the local grid, contributing to the stability of PG&E's distribution network. The facility's age and specific equipment details are not disclosed, but it remains an integral part of the regional electrical infrastructure.
Environmental context
The substation is located in a rural agricultural area of California's Central Valley, where summer temperatures can exceed 100°F, increasing electricity demand for cooling and irrigation. The surrounding land use is primarily farming, which may influence vegetation management practices to maintain clearance around equipment. The facility's operation aligns with PG&E's wildfire mitigation plans, given the region's wildfire risk, requiring enhanced inspections and vegetation control.
Frequently asked questions
Zamora Substation is located in California, United States, near the town of Zamora in Yolo County. Its coordinates are approximately 38.7755 N, -121.8581 W.
Zamora Substation operates at a voltage of 115 kV, which is a common sub-transmission voltage level used to distribute power from higher-voltage transmission lines to local distribution networks.
Zamora Substation is owned and operated by Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), a major investor-owned utility serving northern and central California.
Substations in the United States must comply with North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) reliability standards, which cover grid stability and cybersecurity. Additionally, PG&E is regulated by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) for safety and operational practices.
A 115 kV substation typically steps down voltage from higher transmission levels (e.g., 230 kV or 500 kV) to distribution levels (e.g., 12 kV or 4 kV) for local use. It also provides switching and protection functions to isolate faults and maintain grid reliability.