Overview
Ferris Substation is an operational electrical substation in Texas, United States, owned by South Texas Electric Cooperative. It operates at 69 kV, serving the regional grid.
Ferris Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Texas, United States. Owned and operated by South Texas Electric Cooperative, it plays a role in the regional power distribution network. The facility operates at a voltage of 69 kV, which is typical for sub-transmission and distribution-level infrastructure in rural and cooperative-owned systems. Operating under the regulatory framework of the United States, the substation adheres to standards set by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) for grid reliability and security. As part of a cooperative utility, it is subject to oversight by the Public Utility Commission of Texas and must comply with Texas Reliability Entity (TRE) requirements. The 69 kV voltage level indicates it serves as a distribution substation, stepping down power from higher transmission voltages for local delivery. The substation's location in south-central Texas places it in a region with growing energy demand from agriculture, oil and gas, and residential sectors. Its role in the South Texas Electric Cooperative network supports rural electrification and grid stability in an area prone to extreme weather events, including hurricanes and winter storms, which test infrastructure resilience.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in a rural area of Texas, where the surrounding landscape includes agricultural fields and brushland. The local climate features hot summers and mild winters, with occasional severe weather such as thunderstorms and winter storms. The facility's design and maintenance must account for these conditions to ensure reliable operation. As part of the electrical grid, it supports energy distribution with minimal direct environmental footprint, though its infrastructure is subject to vegetation management and wildlife protection practices.
Frequently asked questions
Ferris Substation is located in Texas, United States, at coordinates 29.323129, -99.745360. It is owned and operated by South Texas Electric Cooperative.
Ferris Substation operates at a voltage of 69 kV (69,000 volts), which is typical for distribution-level substations in the United States.
Ferris Substation is owned by South Texas Electric Cooperative, a member-owned utility serving rural areas in south-central Texas.
As part of the U.S. electrical grid, Ferris Substation must comply with NERC reliability standards and is subject to oversight by the Texas Reliability Entity (TRE) and the Public Utility Commission of Texas.
A 69 kV substation typically serves as a distribution substation, stepping down voltage from higher transmission levels (e.g., 138 kV or 230 kV) for local distribution to homes, businesses, and industrial customers.