Overview
Goldthwaite Substation is an operational electrical substation in Texas, United States, owned and operated by the Lower Colorado River Authority. It operates at 138 kV, serving the regional grid.
Goldthwaite Substation is an electrical substation located in Texas, United States, owned and operated by the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA). The facility is operational and plays a role in the regional transmission network, handling voltage at 138 kV, which is typical for sub-transmission and distribution-level infrastructure. The substation operates under the regulatory framework of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), which set reliability standards for the bulk power system. As part of the LCRA's system, it supports the integration of generation resources and load centers in central Texas, a region with growing energy demand due to population and industrial expansion. Goldthwaite Substation contributes to grid stability and electricity delivery in the area. Its location in a rural part of Texas underscores its role in connecting remote generation, such as wind and solar farms, to the broader grid. The facility's operation aligns with LCRA's mission to provide reliable and affordable power to its customers.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in a rural area of central Texas, characterized by rolling hills and agricultural land. The local environment is subject to seasonal droughts and heat, which can affect transmission line efficiency and vegetation management around the facility. The substation's 138 kV voltage level indicates it serves as a critical node for distributing power to smaller communities and rural customers, minimizing transmission losses over long distances.
Frequently asked questions
Goldthwaite Substation is located in Texas, United States, near the city of Goldthwaite. Its coordinates are approximately 31.431058 N, -98.566273 W.
Goldthwaite Substation operates at 138 kV, a common voltage level for sub-transmission and distribution substations in the United States.
Goldthwaite Substation is owned and operated by the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA), a public utility that provides electricity and water services in Texas.
As part of the US bulk power system, Goldthwaite Substation must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations, which ensure grid stability and security.
A 138 kV substation typically steps down transmission-level voltage for distribution to local networks, serving as a key link between high-voltage transmission lines and end-users.