Overview
Highway 32 Substation is an operational electrical substation in Texas, United States, owned and operated by Pedernales Electric Cooperative. It operates at 138 kV, serving the local grid.
Highway 32 Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Texas, United States. Owned and operated by Pedernales Electric Cooperative, this facility plays a key role in the regional power distribution network. The substation operates at a voltage of 138 kV, which is typical for sub-transmission and distribution-level infrastructure in the United States. As part of the Pedernales Electric Cooperative system, Highway 32 Substation is subject to North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) reliability standards and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) regulations for grid stability. The cooperative model ensures local oversight and community-focused service. The 138 kV voltage level places this substation in the medium-to-high voltage range, supporting both residential and commercial loads in the surrounding area. The substation's location in central Texas, near the city of Wimberley, places it within a region experiencing steady population growth. Its role in the Pedernales Electric Cooperative network is critical for maintaining reliable electricity supply to rural and suburban communities. The facility's operational status and integration with the broader ERCOT grid contribute to regional energy resilience.
Environmental context
Highway 32 Substation is situated in a semi-rural area of central Texas, characterized by rolling hills and seasonal drought conditions. The substation's 138 kV infrastructure is designed to withstand local weather extremes, including heatwaves and occasional winter storms. Its location away from densely populated areas reduces direct environmental impact, while its role in the grid supports the integration of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind, which are increasingly prevalent in Texas.
Frequently asked questions
Highway 32 Substation is located in Texas, United States, near the city of Wimberley. Its coordinates are approximately 29.9457° N, -98.0936° W.
Highway 32 Substation operates at 138 kV, which is a common voltage for sub-transmission and distribution substations in the United States.
Highway 32 Substation is owned and operated by Pedernales Electric Cooperative, a member-owned utility serving central Texas.
As part of the US electrical grid, Highway 32 Substation must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations. It also operates within the ERCOT interconnection region.
A 138 kV substation typically steps down transmission-level voltage for distribution to local networks, serving as a critical node for reliable electricity delivery to residential, commercial, and industrial customers.