Overview
E. Babe Smith Substation is an operational electrical substation in Texas, United States, operated by Pedernales Electric Cooperative. It operates at 138 kV, serving the local grid.
E. Babe Smith Substation is an electrical substation located in Texas, United States, operated by Pedernales Electric Cooperative. The facility operates at a voltage of 138 kV, placing it in the medium-to-high voltage range typical for distribution and sub-transmission substations. As part of the Pedernales Electric Cooperative network, it supports electricity distribution to rural and suburban communities in central Texas. 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 substations like this one are critical for maintaining grid stability and voltage regulation. The 138 kV voltage level is commonly used for regional power distribution, connecting transmission lines to local distribution networks. Environmentally, the substation is situated in a rural area of Texas, where it plays a key role in delivering electricity to agricultural and residential customers. Its operation supports the local economy and community services. The facility's age and specific environmental impact are not detailed, but substations generally have a localized footprint, with considerations for electromagnetic fields and noise mitigation.
Environmental context
Located in a rural area of Texas, the E. Babe Smith Substation operates in a region characterized by agricultural land and scattered residential communities. The substation's 138 kV voltage level is typical for distribution networks, and its environmental impact is primarily related to land use and potential electromagnetic field emissions. The facility's operation supports reliable electricity supply to the local area, which is essential for farming operations and rural households.
Frequently asked questions
E. Babe Smith Substation is located in Texas, United States, at coordinates 30.991610, -98.198205. It is operated by Pedernales Electric Cooperative.
E. Babe Smith Substation operates at a voltage of 138 kV, which is a common voltage level for sub-transmission and distribution substations in the United States.
E. Babe Smith Substation is operated by Pedernales Electric Cooperative, a member-owned electric utility serving central Texas.
As part of the US electrical grid, this substation must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations. In Texas, it also operates within the ERCOT interconnection.
A 138 kV substation typically steps down transmission voltage for distribution to local networks, or interconnects transmission lines. It is critical for grid stability and reliable power delivery.