Overview
Elbow Substation is an operational 138 kV substation in Texas, United States, owned and operated by Sharyland Utilities. It plays a key role in regional power distribution and grid stability.
Elbow Substation is an electrical substation located in Texas, United States, owned and operated by Sharyland Utilities. The facility operates at a voltage of 138 kV, which is a common transmission-level voltage in the US, indicating its role in stepping down power for distribution or interconnecting transmission lines. As part of the Texas Interconnection, the substation is subject to NERC reliability standards and FERC regulation for transmission assets. The substation is situated in a rural area near the city of Big Spring, Texas. Its operational status is active, and it serves as a critical node in the local grid, supporting electricity delivery to residential, commercial, and industrial customers. The 138 kV voltage level places it in the medium-to-high voltage range, typical for sub-transmission and distribution substations in the region. Elbow Substation contributes to the reliability of the Texas power grid, which is managed by the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT). As part of Sharyland Utilities' infrastructure, it helps maintain voltage stability and load balancing. The facility's location in an area with growing energy demand underscores its importance for future grid resilience and integration of renewable energy sources.
Environmental context
The substation is located in a semi-arid region of West Texas, characterized by low rainfall and high evaporation rates. The surrounding landscape is primarily rangeland and agricultural fields. Electrical infrastructure in such areas must be designed to withstand extreme temperatures and occasional dust storms. The 138 kV voltage level is typical for connecting wind farms and other renewable energy projects in the region, which are increasingly common due to Texas's leading role in wind power generation.
Frequently asked questions
Elbow Substation is located in Texas, United States, near the city of Big Spring. Its coordinates are approximately 32.1689° N, -101.4784° W.
Elbow Substation operates at a voltage of 138 kV, which is a common transmission-level voltage in the United States.
Elbow Substation is owned and operated by Sharyland Utilities, a utility company serving parts of Texas.
As part of the US power grid, Elbow Substation must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations for transmission assets. It also operates within the ERCOT interconnection.
A 138 kV substation typically steps down transmission voltage for distribution or interconnects transmission lines. It helps maintain grid stability and reliability by managing power flow and voltage levels.