Overview
Big Hill Substation is an operational electrical substation in Texas, United States, owned and operated by the Lower Colorado River Authority. It operates at a voltage of 345 kV, indicating a high-voltage transmission-level facility.
Big Hill Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Texas, United States. Owned and operated by the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA), the facility serves as a key node in the regional transmission grid. With a voltage level of 345 kV, it is classified as a high-voltage substation, typically used for long-distance power transmission and interconnection of major power sources. The substation operates under the regulatory framework of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), which enforce reliability standards for the bulk power system. As part of the LCRA's transmission network, it likely plays a role in delivering electricity from generation sources to distribution systems across central Texas. The 345 kV voltage level is common for backbone transmission infrastructure in the United States. Environmentally, the substation's location in a rural area of Texas minimizes direct impact on dense urban populations, though its high-voltage equipment requires careful management of electromagnetic fields and vegetation clearance. As part of the broader grid, it supports the integration of renewable energy sources and contributes to grid stability for the region. The facility's operational status ensures continued service to the local community and industries.
Environmental context
The Big Hill Substation is situated in a rural area of Texas, where the surrounding landscape is primarily agricultural and semi-arid. High-voltage substations like this require cleared land for safety and access, which can affect local vegetation and wildlife habitats. The facility's operation involves management of electromagnetic fields and potential oil spill risks from transformers, though modern containment measures mitigate these concerns. Its role in the transmission grid supports the integration of renewable energy sources, contributing to broader environmental goals.
Frequently asked questions
Big Hill Substation is located in Texas, United States, with coordinates approximately 31.047349 N, -100.543060 W.
Big Hill Substation operates at a voltage of 345 kV, which is a high-voltage level used for transmission of electricity over long distances.
Big Hill Substation is owned and operated by the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA), a public utility in Texas.
As part of the U.S. bulk power system, Big Hill Substation must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations for transmission assets.
A 345 kV substation serves as a critical node in the transmission grid, stepping down voltage for distribution or interconnecting major power plants and load centers.