Overview
Long Loop Substation is an operational 138 kV substation in Texas, United States, owned and operated by the Lower Colorado River Authority. It plays a key role in regional grid stability.
Long Loop Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Texas, United States. Owned and operated by the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA), it operates at a voltage of 138 kV, placing it in the medium-to-high voltage range typical for sub-transmission and distribution systems. The facility is part of the LCRA's extensive network serving central Texas. The substation operates under the regulatory oversight 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 a 138 kV facility, it likely incorporates modern substation automation technologies such as IEC 61850 for efficient monitoring and control. The LCRA's infrastructure supports a mix of generation sources, including natural gas, hydroelectric, and renewable energy. Long Loop Substation is situated in a rural area of Texas, contributing to the reliability of the local grid. Its operation is critical for maintaining voltage stability and power flow in the region, serving residential, agricultural, and industrial customers. The substation's role in the LCRA network underscores its importance in supporting the energy needs of central Texas.
Environmental context
The substation is located in a semi-arid region of Texas, where water availability and drought conditions can impact power generation and grid operations. The facility's 138 kV infrastructure supports integration of renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar, which are increasingly prevalent in Texas. The surrounding landscape is characterized by ranchland and oil fields, with potential environmental considerations related to land use and wildlife corridors.
Frequently asked questions
Long Loop Substation is located in Texas, United States, with coordinates approximately 30.8956 N, -101.9920 W. It is owned and operated by the Lower Colorado River Authority.
Long Loop Substation operates at 138 kV, which is a common voltage level for sub-transmission and distribution networks in the United States.
Long Loop Substation is owned and operated by the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA), a public utility serving central Texas.
As part of the U.S. bulk power system, Long Loop Substation must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations. It also likely adheres to IEC 61850 for substation automation.
A 138 kV substation typically steps down transmission voltage for distribution to local networks, ensuring reliable power delivery to residential, commercial, and industrial customers.