Overview
George West Switching Station is a substation in Texas, United States, operated by South Texas Electric Cooperative. It operates at 138 kV and 69 kV voltage levels, supporting regional grid stability.
George West Switching Station is a substation located in Texas, United States, operated by South Texas Electric Cooperative. The facility operates at voltage levels of 138 kV and 69 kV, placing it within the medium-to-high voltage range typical for regional transmission and distribution switching stations in the United States. As part of the U.S. electrical infrastructure, 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's voltage levels suggest it plays a role in interconnecting local distribution networks with higher-voltage transmission lines, common in rural cooperative systems. The substation serves the electrical needs of the surrounding region in south Texas, contributing to grid reliability and power distribution for residential, agricultural, and industrial customers. Its operational status as a switching station indicates it facilitates power routing and system flexibility within the cooperative's network.
Environmental context
Located in a rural area of south Texas, the substation is situated in a region with a warm climate and occasional extreme weather events such as hurricanes and thunderstorms. The facility's design likely incorporates measures to withstand these conditions, including robust grounding and surge protection. The surrounding landscape is primarily agricultural and ranchland, with low population density, reducing the risk of urban interface issues.
Frequently asked questions
George West Switching Station is located in Texas, United States, near the town of George West. The approximate coordinates are 28.403551 N, -98.194007 W.
George West Switching Station operates at two voltage levels: 138 kV and 69 kV. These are standard transmission and sub-transmission voltages in the United States.
George West Switching Station is operated by South Texas Electric Cooperative, a member-owned electric utility serving rural areas in south Texas.
Substations in the United States must comply with NERC reliability standards for grid stability and FERC regulations for interstate electricity markets. Additionally, equipment often follows IEEE and ANSI standards.
A switching station allows for the routing and isolation of electrical circuits without transforming voltage. It enhances grid flexibility and reliability by enabling maintenance and fault management.