Overview
Crane East Substation is an operational electrical substation in Texas, United States, owned and operated by the Lower Colorado River Authority. It operates at 138 kV, serving the regional power grid.
Crane East 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 electrical infrastructure, Crane East 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. These standards ensure grid stability and security, particularly for assets critical to the Texas Interconnection, which operates independently from the Eastern and Western interconnections. The substation's location in West Texas supports the region's energy needs, including oil and gas operations and rural communities. Its 138 kV voltage level indicates it serves as a distribution hub, stepping down power from higher-voltage transmission lines. The facility's operational status underscores its ongoing contribution to the local grid's reliability and resilience.
Environmental context
Located in the Permian Basin region of West Texas, Crane East Substation operates in an arid environment with significant oil and gas activity. The substation's 138 kV infrastructure supports energy-intensive industrial operations while being subject to extreme weather events such as heatwaves and occasional winter storms, which can stress grid components. The facility's design likely incorporates measures to withstand high temperatures and dust, common in this semi-desert climate.
Frequently asked questions
Crane East Substation is located in Texas, United States, near the city of Crane in the Permian Basin region.
Crane East Substation operates at a voltage of 138 kV, which is a common sub-transmission voltage level in the United States.
Crane East Substation is owned and operated by the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA), a public utility serving Texas.
As part of the U.S. electrical grid, Crane East Substation must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations to ensure grid stability and security.
A 138 kV substation typically steps down power from higher-voltage transmission lines for distribution to industrial, commercial, and residential customers, playing a critical role in local grid reliability.