ComEd Advances Grid with Two New Substations
ComEd has announced the successful energization of two new 345 kV transmission substations in LaSalle and Woodford Counties, Illinois. These substations enable the interconnection of up to 550 megawatts (MW) of wind generation, addressing growing electricity demand and improving grid reliability.
Expanding Renewable Energy Capacity
The new infrastructure expands transmission capacity, allowing for the integration of more renewable energy sources. According to ComEd President and CEO Gil Quiniones, the substations are part of a drive to expand transmission capacity and support the state’s economic development goals. The capacity from these substations is equivalent to the energy needed to serve approximately 264,000 homes for a year.
Enabling Future Wind Farms
These substations clear the way for two upcoming wind farms: Osagrove Flats (150 MW) and Panther Grove (400 MW), expected to begin commercial operation in late 2026 and early 2027, respectively. The projects began in 2023 and were completed more than four months ahead of schedule.
Project Details and Community Impact
The construction involved over 113,000 hours of ComEd labor, installation of 16 new transmission towers, more than 58 miles of fiber, and nearly half a mile of new conductor. Additional future work is planned to further enhance system reliability. The new infrastructure supports up to 550 MW of new wind generation expected online in 2026-2027, helping increase electricity supply and improve reliability in the PJM market, which serves 65 million people across 13 states and the District of Columbia.
Commitment to Grid Modernization
To meet growing forecasted demand, ComEd is deploying a multipronged approach, including Distributed Energy Resource Management Systems (DERMS). This technology platform combines software control systems and hardware such as IoT gateways, sensors, and smart inverters to dynamically manage grid conditions and accelerate renewable energy deployment. To date, more than 1.7 GW of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) have been connected, making Illinois the leading midwestern state for DER capacity.