Overview
Big Spring Colorado River Municipal Water District Substation is an operational substation in Texas, USA, operated by Oncor. It operates at 69 kV and 4.16 kV, supporting local grid stability.
Big Spring Colorado River Municipal Water District Substation is an electrical substation located in Big Spring, Texas, United States. Operated by Oncor, a major transmission and distribution utility in Texas, this facility plays a role in the regional power grid. The substation's voltage levels of 69 kV and 4.16 kV indicate it serves both transmission and distribution functions, typical for a medium-scale substation supporting local industrial and residential loads. As part of the US electrical infrastructure, this substation operates under the regulatory framework of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) reliability standards and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for interstate transmission. Oncor, as the operator, adheres to Texas Reliability Entity (TRE) compliance requirements. The substation's location in the Permian Basin region, a major oil and gas production area, underscores its importance in supporting energy-intensive industrial operations. It also serves the municipal water district, ensuring reliable power for water treatment and distribution. The facility contributes to grid resilience in a region prone to extreme weather events, such as heatwaves and winter storms.
Environmental context
Located in the semi-arid Permian Basin of West Texas, the substation operates in a region with high evaporation rates and limited water resources. The facility's role in powering the Colorado River Municipal Water District highlights its connection to water infrastructure. The surrounding area is characterized by oil and gas extraction activities, which can impact local air quality and land use. The substation's design likely incorporates measures to withstand extreme temperatures and occasional dust storms, common in this environment.
Frequently asked questions
The substation is located in Big Spring, Texas, United States, at coordinates 32.290605, -101.468441.
The substation is operated by Oncor, a major electric transmission and distribution utility serving Texas.
The substation operates at 69 kV (transmission) and 4.16 kV (distribution), indicating it serves both high-voltage transmission and local distribution.
As part of the US grid, the substation must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations for transmission assets, along with Texas-specific requirements from the Texas Reliability Entity.
The substation supports the Colorado River Municipal Water District and the broader Permian Basin region, which includes oil and gas operations, ensuring reliable power for critical water and industrial infrastructure.