Overview
Gilleland Creek Substation is an operational electrical substation in Texas, United States, owned by the Lower Colorado River Authority. It operates at 345 kV and 138 kV, serving as a key node in the regional transmission grid.
Gilleland Creek Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Texas, United States. Owned by the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA), this facility plays a critical role in the state's electrical infrastructure by stepping down high-voltage transmission power for distribution. The substation handles voltage levels of 345 kV and 138 kV, indicating its importance in both long-distance transmission and regional distribution networks. The substation operates under the regulatory framework of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), which enforce reliability standards for the bulk power system. As part of the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) grid, Gilleland Creek Substation adheres to specific reliability and operational protocols designed to maintain grid stability in a region with growing energy demand. The dual voltage capability suggests it serves as a transmission-to-subtransmission interface, typical for large substations in urban or industrial corridors. Environmentally, the substation's location in central Texas places it within a region prone to extreme weather events, including heatwaves and occasional winter storms, which can stress electrical infrastructure. Its role in the LCRA network supports power delivery to a mix of urban, suburban, and rural communities, contributing to the resilience of the local grid. The facility's operational status ensures continued service to the surrounding area, supporting economic activity and community needs.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in central Texas, a region characterized by hot summers and variable precipitation, which can affect cooling and equipment performance. Its location near the Colorado River basin may involve considerations for flood risk and water management. The facility's design and maintenance likely incorporate measures to withstand local weather extremes, including heat and occasional ice storms, ensuring reliable power transmission.
Frequently asked questions
Gilleland Creek Substation is located in Texas, United States, near the Colorado River basin. Its coordinates are approximately 30.41° N, 97.57° W.
The substation operates at 345 kV and 138 kV, serving as a transmission-to-subtransmission interface within the ERCOT grid.
The substation is owned by the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA), a public utility that provides power and water services in Texas.
As part of the U.S. bulk power system, the substation must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations, as well as ERCOT-specific operating protocols.
The substation helps distribute electricity from high-voltage transmission lines to lower-voltage distribution networks, supporting power delivery to communities in central Texas.