Overview
Castillo 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 138 kV, serving regional grid stability.
Castillo Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Texas, United States. Owned and operated by the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA), this facility plays a key role in the regional transmission network. The substation operates at a voltage of 138 kV, which is typical for sub-transmission and distribution-level infrastructure in the United States. As part of the LCRA's transmission system, Castillo Substation is subject to regulatory oversight by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and must comply with North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) reliability standards. The substation's equipment likely includes circuit breakers, transformers, and switchgear designed to manage power flow and ensure grid stability. In Texas, substations like this are critical for integrating renewable energy sources such as wind and solar, which are abundant in the region. The substation serves the local community by providing reliable electricity to residential, commercial, and industrial customers in the surrounding area. Its location in Texas, a state with a rapidly growing population and economy, underscores its importance in supporting energy demand. The LCRA's ownership ensures adherence to stringent operational and safety protocols, contributing to the overall resilience of the Texas Interconnection grid.
Environmental context
The substation is located in a semi-arid region of Texas, where extreme weather events such as heatwaves and thunderstorms can impact grid operations. The facility's design likely incorporates measures to withstand high temperatures and occasional flooding. Its role in integrating renewable energy sources helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with broader environmental goals for the state's energy transition.
Frequently asked questions
Castillo Substation is located in Texas, United States, at coordinates 31.253741, -102.306182. It is owned and operated by the Lower Colorado River Authority.
Castillo Substation operates at a voltage of 138 kV, which is a common voltage level for sub-transmission and distribution networks in the United States.
Castillo Substation is owned and operated by the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA), a public utility that provides electricity and water services in Texas.
As part of the US electrical grid, Castillo Substation must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations for transmission-level assets. It also adheres to ISO/IEC 61850 standards for substation automation.
Castillo Substation plays a key role in the Texas Interconnection by stepping down high-voltage power for distribution to local customers. It supports grid stability and integrates renewable energy sources like wind and solar.