Overview
Gillespie Substation is an operational electrical substation in Texas, United States, owned and operated by the Lower Colorado River Authority. It operates at voltage levels of 138 kV and 69 kV, serving the regional power grid.
Gillespie Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Texas, United States, owned and operated by the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA). The facility plays a key role in the regional electrical infrastructure, stepping down transmission voltages for distribution to local communities and industries. The substation operates at voltage levels of 138 kV and 69 kV, which are common for transmission and sub-transmission applications in the United States. As part of the LCRA's network, it is subject to North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) reliability standards and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) regulations, ensuring grid stability and compliance with mandatory reliability requirements. Gillespie Substation contributes to the resilience of the Texas power grid, particularly in the Hill Country region. Its location near the Llano River watershed places it in an area prone to drought and extreme weather, making operational reliability critical for local communities and agricultural users. The facility supports LCRA's mission to provide affordable and reliable electricity to central Texas.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in the Texas Hill Country, a region characterized by limestone geology, oak-juniper woodlands, and the Llano River watershed. The area experiences hot summers and periodic drought, which can stress the electrical grid due to increased air conditioning demand. The substation's design and maintenance must account for these climatic conditions to ensure reliable power delivery.
Frequently asked questions
Gillespie Substation is located in Texas, United States, near coordinates 30.305434, -98.904070, in the Texas Hill Country region.
Gillespie Substation operates at 138 kV and 69 kV, which are typical transmission and sub-transmission voltage levels in the United States.
Gillespie Substation is owned and operated by the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA), a public utility serving central Texas.
As part of the U.S. electrical grid, Gillespie Substation must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations for transmission-level assets.
Gillespie Substation steps down transmission voltages for distribution, helping to supply electricity to local communities and industries in the Texas Hill Country.