Overview
Ennis Creek Switching Station is an operational substation in Texas, United States, owned and operated by Oncor. It operates at 138 kV and 69 kV, serving as a key node in the regional electrical grid.
Ennis Creek Switching Station is a substation located in Texas, United States, owned and operated by Oncor, a major transmission and distribution utility. The facility is operational and handles voltage levels of 138 kV and 69 kV, indicating its role in both sub-transmission and distribution within the electrical infrastructure. As part of the U.S. electrical grid, this substation operates under the regulatory framework of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for reliability and market oversight. The facility is situated in a rural area of Texas, where substations like this are critical for stepping down high-voltage power from transmission lines to lower voltages for local distribution. The switching station contributes to grid stability and reliability in the region, supporting the integration of renewable energy sources and ensuring consistent power supply to surrounding communities. Its location in Texas, a state with a large and growing energy demand, underscores its importance in maintaining a resilient electrical infrastructure.
Environmental context
The substation is located in a semi-arid region of Texas, characterized by grasslands and agricultural land. The facility's operation involves minimal direct environmental impact, but its role in the grid supports the integration of wind and solar energy from nearby renewable projects. The voltage levels and equipment are designed to withstand local weather conditions, including occasional severe storms.
Frequently asked questions
Ennis Creek Switching Station is located in Texas, United States, near coordinates 32.840136, -100.924976, in a rural area of the state.
The substation operates at two voltage levels: 138 kV and 69 kV, which are typical for sub-transmission and distribution in the U.S. electrical grid.
The substation is owned and operated by Oncor, a major electric transmission and distribution utility serving Texas.
As part of the U.S. electrical grid, the substation must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations for transmission-level assets.
A switching station is used to connect and disconnect transmission lines, allowing for rerouting of power and isolation of equipment for maintenance, enhancing grid flexibility and reliability.