Overview
Great Southwest Substation is an operational substation in the United States, owned and operated by Oncor. It handles voltages of 138 kV and 12.5 kV, serving the electrical grid.
Great Southwest Substation is a key electrical infrastructure facility located in the United States, owned and operated by Oncor. As a substation, it plays a critical role in voltage transformation and distribution, connecting high-voltage transmission lines to lower-voltage distribution networks. The facility is operational and serves the regional grid. The substation operates at voltage levels of 138,000 volts (138 kV) on the high side and 12,500 volts (12.5 kV) on the low side, indicating its role in stepping down transmission-level power for local distribution. This voltage configuration is typical for substations serving industrial or densely populated areas. Oncor, the owner and operator, is a major transmission and distribution utility in Texas, subject to NERC reliability standards and FERC regulation for interstate power flows. As part of the Texas Interconnection, Great Southwest Substation contributes to grid stability and reliability in the region. Its location in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex supports growing energy demand from residential, commercial, and industrial customers. The facility's operational status ensures continued service to the community, aligning with sector standards for safety and efficiency.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in an urbanized area of Texas, where electrical infrastructure must balance reliability with environmental considerations. High-voltage equipment like switchgear and transformers are designed to minimize electromagnetic field exposure and oil containment risks. The facility's location in a metropolitan region means it supports dense energy demand while adhering to local environmental regulations for noise and land use.
Frequently asked questions
Great Southwest Substation is located in the United States, specifically in Texas near the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Its coordinates are approximately 32.7462° N, -97.0738° W.
Great Southwest Substation operates at two voltage levels: 138,000 volts (138 kV) on the high-voltage side and 12,500 volts (12.5 kV) on the low-voltage side, typical for stepping down transmission power for distribution.
Great Southwest Substation is owned and operated by Oncor, a major electric transmission and distribution utility serving Texas.
Substations in the United States, including Great Southwest, must comply with NERC reliability standards for grid stability and FERC regulations for interstate transmission. Oncor also adheres to Texas state utility regulations.
A substation like Great Southwest transforms voltage levels between transmission and distribution networks, enabling efficient power transfer. It also provides switching, protection, and monitoring functions to maintain grid reliability.