Overview
Citcon West Substation is an operational electrical substation located near Westlake, Louisiana, United States. Operated by Excel Paralubes LLC, it operates at a voltage of 138 kV, serving the local industrial grid.
Citcon West Substation is an operational electrical substation located near Westlake, Louisiana, in the United States. The facility is owned and operated by Excel Paralubes LLC, a company involved in the petroleum refining and lubricant production sector. Operating at a voltage of 138 kV, this substation is classified as a medium-voltage facility, typical for industrial distribution and transmission support in the region. 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. In Louisiana, the Public Service Commission oversees intrastate utility operations. The 138 kV voltage level is common for subtransmission and industrial supply, connecting larger transmission networks to local distribution systems. As part of the electrical infrastructure in southwestern Louisiana, Citcon West Substation supports the region's industrial base, including petrochemical and refining operations. Its proximity to the Calcasieu River and the Port of Lake Charles underscores its role in powering critical economic activities. The substation contributes to grid stability and reliability for industrial customers in the area.
Environmental context
The substation is located in a region characterized by a humid subtropical climate, with frequent thunderstorms and hurricane risks. The surrounding area includes industrial facilities and wetlands, requiring careful management of stormwater runoff and vegetation to prevent outages. The 138 kV voltage level indicates a moderate environmental footprint, with typical considerations for electromagnetic fields and wildlife protection near transmission corridors.
Frequently asked questions
Citcon West Substation is located near Westlake, Louisiana, in the United States, at coordinates 30.188382, -93.343527.
Citcon West Substation operates at a voltage of 138 kV, which is a common subtransmission voltage level for industrial and distribution networks.
Citcon West Substation is owned and operated by Excel Paralubes LLC, a company involved in the petroleum refining and lubricant production sector.
As part of the US bulk power system, Citcon West Substation must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations. State-level oversight is provided by the Louisiana Public Service Commission.
A 138 kV substation typically serves as a subtransmission facility, stepping down voltage from higher transmission levels (e.g., 230 kV or 345 kV) for industrial customers or further distribution. It plays a key role in grid reliability and local power delivery.