Overview
Lonestar Substation is an operational electrical substation in Texas, United States, owned and operated by Texas-New Mexico Power. It operates at a voltage of 138 kV, serving the regional power grid.
Lonestar Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Texas, United States, owned and operated by Texas-New Mexico Power. The facility operates at a voltage of 138 kV, placing it in the medium-voltage range typical for distribution and sub-transmission substations in the region. As part of the Texas-New Mexico Power system, Lonestar Substation operates under the regulatory framework of the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) and adheres to NERC reliability standards for grid stability. The 138 kV voltage level is common for connecting local distribution networks to the broader transmission grid. The substation plays a key role in ensuring reliable electricity supply to the surrounding area, which includes both urban and rural communities in western Texas. Its operational status contributes to grid resilience and supports the integration of renewable energy sources, such as wind power, which is prevalent in the region.
Environmental context
Located in the arid Permian Basin region of western Texas, the substation operates in an area with high solar insolation and significant wind energy potential. The facility's 138 kV voltage level is critical for connecting local renewable energy projects to the grid. The surrounding environment is characterized by semi-arid conditions, with minimal vegetation and low population density, reducing the risk of environmental impacts from substation operations.
Frequently asked questions
Lonestar Substation is located in Texas, United States, at coordinates 31.594276, -103.248410, in the western part of the state near the Permian Basin.
Lonestar Substation operates at a voltage of 138 kV, which is a common voltage level for sub-transmission and distribution substations in the United States.
Lonestar Substation is owned and operated by Texas-New Mexico Power, a utility company serving parts of Texas and New Mexico.
Substations in the United States must comply with NERC reliability standards for grid stability and FERC regulations for transmission-level assets. Additionally, state-level regulations from the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) apply.
A 138 kV substation typically steps down voltage from higher transmission levels (e.g., 345 kV) for distribution to local networks, or steps up voltage from generation sources. It plays a critical role in maintaining grid reliability and power quality.