Overview
Ben Bolt Substation is an operational electrical substation in Texas, United States, owned and operated by South Texas Electric Cooperative. It operates at 69 kV, serving the regional grid.
Ben Bolt Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Texas, United States. Owned and operated by South Texas Electric Cooperative, the facility plays a key role in the regional power distribution network. With a voltage level of 69 kV, it is classified as a medium-voltage substation, typical for rural cooperative systems in the state. The substation operates under the regulatory framework of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), which set reliability standards for the bulk power system. As part of the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) interconnection, it adheres to regional grid stability requirements. The 69 kV voltage level is common for sub-transmission and distribution, serving local communities and industrial loads. Ben Bolt Substation contributes to the electrical infrastructure of South Texas, supporting the cooperative's mission to provide reliable power to its members. Its location in a rural area underscores its importance in maintaining grid connectivity for agricultural and residential customers. The facility's operational status ensures continued service to the region's energy needs.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in a rural area of South Texas, characterized by a semi-arid climate with hot summers and mild winters. The surrounding landscape includes agricultural fields and brushland, typical of the region. Electrical infrastructure like Ben Bolt Substation is designed to withstand local weather conditions, including occasional severe thunderstorms and hurricane threats from the Gulf Coast. The facility's voltage level and rural location influence its environmental footprint, with minimal direct impact on local ecosystems beyond land use for the substation footprint.
Frequently asked questions
Ben Bolt Substation is located in Texas, United States, near coordinates 27.687418, -98.068919. It is owned and operated by South Texas Electric Cooperative.
Ben Bolt Substation operates at 69 kV (69,000 volts), which is a medium voltage level commonly used for sub-transmission and distribution in rural electric cooperative systems.
Ben Bolt Substation is owned by South Texas Electric Cooperative, a member-owned utility providing electricity to rural areas in South Texas.
As part of the U.S. electrical grid, Ben Bolt Substation must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations. It operates within the ERCOT interconnection, which has additional regional grid reliability requirements.
A 69 kV substation steps down transmission voltage for local distribution or steps up voltage for transmission. It serves as a critical node in the grid, ensuring reliable power delivery to residential, commercial, and agricultural customers in the area.