Overview
Harris Branch Substation is an operational electrical substation in Texas, United States, owned and operated by the Lower Colorado River Authority. It operates at a voltage of 138 kV.
Harris Branch Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Texas, United States. The facility is owned and operated by the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA), a key utility in the region. With a voltage level of 138 kV, it is classified as a high-voltage substation, playing a critical role in the transmission and distribution of electricity within the local grid. 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 LCRA's infrastructure, it supports the integration of generation resources and load centers, ensuring stable power delivery. The 138 kV voltage level is typical for subtransmission systems, connecting larger transmission lines to distribution networks. Harris Branch Substation contributes to the electrical infrastructure of the region, serving residential, commercial, and industrial customers. Its location in Texas, a state with a diverse energy mix including wind, solar, and natural gas, underscores its role in grid stability and energy reliability. The substation's operational status ensures continued support for the local community and economic activities.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in Texas, a state with a diverse climate ranging from arid to humid. Its operation involves managing high-voltage equipment, which requires careful environmental planning to minimize impacts such as electromagnetic fields and noise. The facility's location in an urbanizing area near Austin necessitates adherence to local environmental regulations to protect surrounding ecosystems and communities.
Frequently asked questions
Harris Branch Substation is located in Texas, United States, near Austin. Its coordinates are approximately 30.371251 N, -97.580913 W.
Harris Branch Substation operates at a voltage of 138 kV, which is a common subtransmission voltage level in the United States.
The substation is owned and operated by the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA), a public utility serving central Texas.
As part of the US bulk power system, the substation must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations, ensuring grid stability and security.
A 138 kV substation typically serves as a subtransmission facility, stepping down voltage from higher transmission lines (e.g., 345 kV) to distribution levels (e.g., 69 kV or lower), supplying power to local networks.