Overview
Balcones Substation is an operational electrical substation owned by Pedernales Electric Cooperative in Texas, United States. It operates at 138 kV, serving the local grid.
Balcones Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Texas, United States, owned and operated by Pedernales Electric Cooperative. The facility operates at a voltage of 138 kV, classifying it as a high-voltage substation critical for regional power distribution. The substation falls under the regulatory oversight of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), ensuring compliance with reliability standards for transmission-level assets. As part of Pedernales Electric Cooperative's infrastructure, it supports the cooperative's mission to provide reliable electricity to its members in central Texas. Balcones Substation plays a key role in maintaining grid stability in the rapidly growing Austin metropolitan area. Its 138 kV voltage level indicates it serves as a distribution substation, stepping down power from transmission lines to local feeders. The facility's operational status and location underscore its importance in meeting the region's increasing electricity demand.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in a suburban area near Austin, Texas, a region experiencing significant population growth and urban expansion. The local environment includes mixed residential and commercial developments, with proximity to natural habitats such as the Balcones Canyonlands. The facility's operation is subject to environmental regulations regarding electromagnetic fields, noise, and stormwater runoff, typical for electrical infrastructure in urbanizing areas.
Frequently asked questions
Balcones Substation is located in Texas, United States, near Austin. Its coordinates are approximately 30.461051 N, -97.830201 W.
Balcones Substation operates at 138 kV, which is a common voltage for high-voltage distribution substations in the United States.
Balcones Substation is owned and operated by Pedernales Electric Cooperative, a member-owned utility serving central Texas.
As part of the U.S. electrical grid, Balcones Substation must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations for transmission and distribution assets.
A 138 kV substation typically steps down transmission voltage to distribution levels, supplying power to local communities. It is critical for grid reliability and load management.