Overview
Lopeno Substation is an operational electrical substation in Texas, United States, owned by South Texas Electric Cooperative. It operates at 138 kV and 25 kV voltage levels, serving the local grid.
Lopeno Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Texas, United States, owned and operated by South Texas Electric Cooperative. The facility handles voltage levels of 138 kV and 25 kV, indicating its role in both transmission and distribution within the regional power grid. As part of the U.S. electrical infrastructure, this substation operates under the regulatory framework of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). These standards ensure grid reliability and security. The substation's dual voltage levels suggest it serves as a step-down point from transmission to distribution, typical for rural cooperative systems. The substation plays a critical role in delivering electricity to the surrounding community in South Texas. Its location near the Rio Grande places it in a region with growing energy demand. The facility supports grid stability and provides essential power to local residential, agricultural, and industrial consumers.
Environmental context
The substation is located in a rural area of South Texas, near the Rio Grande. The region experiences a semi-arid climate with hot summers and mild winters, which influences electricity demand patterns. The surrounding landscape includes agricultural land and brushland, with potential impacts on local wildlife. Substations like this one are typically designed to minimize environmental footprint through proper siting and equipment insulation to prevent leaks.
Frequently asked questions
Lopeno Substation is located in Texas, United States, near the coordinates 26.6876 N, -99.1095 W, in a rural area close to the Rio Grande.
Lopeno Substation operates at 138 kV and 25 kV, serving both transmission and distribution functions within the South Texas Electric Cooperative grid.
Lopeno Substation is owned and operated by South Texas Electric Cooperative, a member-owned utility serving rural areas in South Texas.
Substations in the United States must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations, ensuring grid stability and security. These standards cover equipment maintenance, cybersecurity, and operational protocols.
Substations like Lopeno step down high-voltage transmission power to lower voltages for distribution to homes and businesses. They also provide switching, protection, and monitoring functions to maintain grid reliability.