Overview
Eldorado Live Oak Substation is an operational electrical substation in Texas, United States, owned and operated by American Electric Power. It handles voltages of 138 kV and 69 kV, supporting regional grid stability.
Eldorado Live Oak Substation is an electrical substation located in Texas, United States, owned and operated by American Electric Power. The facility is operational and serves as a key node in the regional transmission network, handling voltages of 138 kV and 69 kV, which are typical for sub-transmission and distribution-level infrastructure. The substation operates under the regulatory framework of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), which enforce reliability standards for bulk power systems. As part of the American Electric Power system, it adheres to NERC's Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) standards and contributes to the resilience of the Texas Interconnection, managed by the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT). The facility's location in rural Texas supports local electricity distribution and grid stability for surrounding communities. Its dual voltage levels allow efficient power transformation between transmission and distribution networks, enhancing operational flexibility and reliability for end-users in the region.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in a semi-arid region of Texas, characterized by low rainfall and high temperatures. Its operation involves minimal direct environmental impact, but its role in grid stability supports the integration of renewable energy sources like wind and solar, which are prevalent in West Texas. The facility's design and maintenance follow NERC environmental guidelines to minimize electromagnetic field exposure and ensure safe operation near natural habitats.
Frequently asked questions
Eldorado Live Oak Substation is located in Texas, United States, near coordinates 30.878046, -100.570072, in a rural area of Schleicher County.
The substation operates at 138 kV and 69 kV, which are common voltage levels for sub-transmission and distribution in the US power grid.
The substation is owned and operated by American Electric Power (AEP), one of the largest electric utilities in the United States.
The substation must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations, including CIP standards for cybersecurity and physical security.
It serves as a distribution substation, stepping down transmission voltage to distribution levels for local communities, and supports grid stability in the ERCOT interconnection.