Ellerbe Road Substation - 69 kV Electrical Substation in the United States

Ellerbe Road Substation is an operational electrical substation located in the United States, owned and operated by Southwestern Electric Power Company (SWEPCO), a subsidiary of American Electric Power. The facility operates at a voltage of 69 kV, classifying it as a sub-transmission or distribution-level substation that plays a role in stepping down power for local distribution. As part of the U.S. electrical infrastructure, this substation operates under the regulatory oversight of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for wholesale electricity markets and must comply with North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) reliability standards. SWEPCO serves customers in Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas, and this substation likely supports grid stability in the Shreveport-Bossier City metropolitan area. The substation's location at coordinates 32.43°N, 93.75°W places it in a region with a humid subtropical climate, where seasonal storms and heat waves can impact grid operations. As a key node in the local distribution network, Ellerbe Road Substation helps ensure reliable electricity supply to residential, commercial, and industrial customers in the area.

The substation is situated in a region prone to thunderstorms and occasional hurricanes, which can affect overhead transmission lines and substation equipment. The 69 kV voltage level indicates a medium-voltage facility that typically uses air-insulated switchgear, with potential environmental considerations related to sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) emissions from older equipment. The surrounding area is a mix of urban and suburban development, with proximity to the Red River, requiring stormwater management to prevent runoff contamination.