Sylmar Converter Station, HVDC converter station in Sylmar, California, US
The Sylmar Converter Station is a power facility that transforms direct current arriving from the Pacific Northwest into alternating current suited for local use. The station converts 500 kV DC into 230 kV AC at 60 Hz for distribution throughout the Los Angeles area.
The facility was built in 1970 and required substantial rebuilding following the 1971 earthquake that damaged much of its infrastructure. Major upgrades in the late 1980s increased its capacity to handle growing power demands in the region.
The station represents a partnership between five utility companies, including the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power and Southern California Edison Company.
The facility is a restricted power station and not open to the general public for safety and security reasons. From nearby public areas, visitors can observe the large outdoor equipment and get a sense of the scale of the operation.
The station marks the southern end of the Pacific DC Intertie, a transmission line that can move power in both directions between the Pacific Northwest and Southern California. This connection allows two distant regions to share electricity based on changing needs and availability.
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