Overview
Crestonio Substation is an operational electrical substation in Texas, United States, owned and operated by American Electric Power. It operates at 138 kV, serving as a key node in the regional transmission grid.
Crestonio Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Texas, United States, owned and operated by American Electric Power. The facility operates at a voltage of 138 kV, classifying it as a high-voltage substation within the transmission network. As part of the American Electric Power system, it plays a role in distributing electricity across 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 Texas, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) manages the grid, and this substation likely adheres to ERCOT's protocols. The 138 kV voltage level is common for subtransmission and distribution, connecting larger transmission lines to local distribution networks. Crestonio Substation contributes to grid stability and reliability in southern Texas, an area with a mix of industrial, agricultural, and residential demand. Its location near the border region supports energy delivery to communities and businesses. The substation's operational status ensures continued service, and its infrastructure is typical of modern substations with automated controls and protection systems.
Environmental context
The substation is located in a rural area of southern Texas, characterized by flat terrain and a semi-arid climate. The surrounding land use includes agriculture and oil and gas operations. Electrical infrastructure in this region must withstand extreme weather events such as hurricanes and heatwaves, which can affect grid reliability. The substation's design likely includes measures to mitigate environmental impacts, such as proper insulation and grounding to protect wildlife and reduce electromagnetic interference.
Frequently asked questions
Crestonio Substation is located in Texas, United States, near coordinates 27.365386, -98.597817. It is situated in a rural area of southern Texas.
Crestonio Substation operates at 138 kV (138,000 volts), which is a common voltage level for subtransmission and distribution substations in the United States.
Crestonio Substation is owned and operated by American Electric Power (AEP), one of the largest electric utilities in the United States.
As part of the US power grid, Crestonio Substation must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations. In Texas, it also follows ERCOT protocols for grid operations.
A 138 kV substation typically steps down voltage from higher transmission lines (e.g., 345 kV) to lower distribution levels (e.g., 69 kV or 34.5 kV) for local delivery. It also provides switching and protection functions to maintain grid stability.