Overview
Fredericksburg Phillips Substation is an operational electrical substation in Texas, United States, operating at 69 kV. It plays a role in regional grid stability and power distribution.
Fredericksburg Phillips Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Texas, United States. The facility operates at a voltage of 69 kV, classifying it as a medium-voltage substation typical of distribution-level infrastructure. It serves the local grid by stepping down transmission voltages for regional distribution. As a substation in the United States, this facility operates under the regulatory framework of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). NERC enforces reliability standards for bulk power systems, while FERC oversees interstate electricity transmission. The 69 kV voltage level indicates this substation likely connects to subtransmission or distribution networks, supporting load centers in the area. The substation's location in Texas places it within the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) interconnection, which manages the state's power grid. ERCOT is subject to NERC reliability standards but operates independently from federal jurisdiction. The facility contributes to grid stability and power delivery for surrounding communities, including Fredericksburg and nearby areas.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in a rural to semi-rural area of Texas, characterized by rolling hills and agricultural land. The local environment includes grasslands and scattered woodlands, with potential impacts from electromagnetic fields and land use for infrastructure. Substations of this type typically have minimal direct environmental footprint but require vegetation management and access roads. The 69 kV voltage level is moderate, reducing the risk of significant ecological disruption compared to higher-voltage transmission lines.
Frequently asked questions
Fredericksburg Phillips Substation is located in Texas, United States, near the city of Fredericksburg. Its coordinates are approximately 30.47 N, -98.85 W.
Fredericksburg Phillips Substation operates at a voltage of 69 kV, which is typical for distribution-level substations in the United States.
As part of the US electrical grid, this substation is subject to reliability standards set by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and oversight by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). In Texas, it also falls under the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) jurisdiction.
A 69 kV substation typically steps down transmission voltages (e.g., 138 kV or higher) to distribution voltages for local power delivery. It serves as a critical node in the subtransmission network, ensuring reliable electricity supply to residential, commercial, and industrial customers.
US substations must comply with NERC reliability standards (e.g., CIP for cybersecurity, PRC for protection systems) and OSHA safety regulations. They also follow IEEE and ANSI standards for equipment design and operation, including grounding, clearance, and fire protection.