Overview
Key Substation is an operational electrical substation in Texas, United States, owned and operated by Oncor. It handles voltages of 138 kV and 12.5 kV, serving as a critical node in the regional power grid.
Key Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Texas, United States, owned and operated by Oncor. As a substation, it plays a vital role in the transmission and distribution of electricity, stepping down high-voltage power for local distribution. The facility is part of Oncor's extensive network, which serves millions of customers across Texas. The substation operates at two voltage levels: 138,000 volts (138 kV) for transmission and 12,500 volts (12.5 kV) for distribution. This dual-voltage configuration indicates its function as a step-down substation, connecting the high-voltage transmission grid to lower-voltage distribution lines. In the United States, substations like this are regulated by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), ensuring grid reliability and compliance with standards such as NERC's Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) requirements. Key Substation's location in Texas places it within the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) grid, which operates independently from the rest of the US. The substation supports the region's energy needs, contributing to grid stability and reliability for residential, commercial, and industrial customers. Its operational status and integration into Oncor's network underscore its importance in delivering electricity to the surrounding area.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in a rural area of Texas, characterized by flat terrain and a semi-arid climate. Electrical infrastructure in such environments must be designed to withstand extreme weather events, including high winds and lightning strikes. The facility's voltage levels and equipment are typical for substations serving both transmission and distribution functions, with minimal direct environmental impact beyond land use and electromagnetic fields.
Frequently asked questions
Key Substation is located in Texas, United States, at coordinates 32.692502, -101.789336. It is owned and operated by Oncor, a major electric utility in Texas.
Key Substation operates at two voltage levels: 138,000 volts (138 kV) for transmission and 12,500 volts (12.5 kV) for distribution, indicating it serves as a step-down substation.
Key Substation is owned and operated by Oncor, the largest electric transmission and distribution utility in Texas, serving millions of customers across the state.
Substations in the United States are subject to NERC reliability standards and FERC regulation. For facilities in Texas, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) also sets grid reliability requirements.
Substations are critical nodes in the electrical grid that transform voltage levels, switch circuits, and ensure reliable power distribution. They connect transmission lines to distribution networks, enabling electricity to reach homes and businesses.