Overview
Buffalo Gap 1 & 3 Substation is an operational electrical substation in Texas, United States, owned and operated by AES Corporation. It operates at 138 kV, serving the regional grid.
Buffalo Gap 1 & 3 Substation is an operational electrical substation located near Buffalo Gap, Texas, in the United States. Owned and operated by AES Corporation, the facility plays a role in the transmission and distribution of electricity within the region. The substation operates at a voltage level of 138 kV, which is typical for sub-transmission or distribution substations in the US grid. 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 and oversee interstate electricity transmission. In Texas, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) manages the grid, and substations like this one are critical for maintaining grid stability and power delivery to local communities. The facility's location in a rural area of Texas underscores its role in serving agricultural and residential loads. As part of AES Corporation's portfolio, the substation contributes to the company's extensive energy infrastructure, supporting reliable electricity supply in the region. Its operational status ensures continued grid connectivity and power distribution.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in a semi-arid region of west Texas, characterized by grasslands and agricultural land. The local environment is influenced by seasonal droughts and occasional severe weather, which can impact grid reliability. Substations in such areas are designed to withstand extreme temperatures and wind loads, ensuring stable operation. The facility's voltage level and rural location mean it has a moderate environmental footprint, primarily related to land use and electromagnetic fields.
Frequently asked questions
Buffalo Gap 1 & 3 Substation is located near Buffalo Gap, Texas, in the United States, at coordinates 32.299392, -100.115243.
The substation operates at a voltage of 138 kV, which is a common voltage level for sub-transmission and distribution substations in the United States.
The substation is owned and operated by AES Corporation, a global power company with a significant presence in the United States.
The substation operates under NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations for transmission-level assets. In Texas, it also complies with ERCOT grid requirements.
A 138 kV substation typically steps down high-voltage transmission power for distribution to local areas, or interconnects transmission lines, playing a key role in grid stability and reliability.