Overview
McCook 1 Substation is an operational electrical substation in Texas, United States, owned and operated by South Texas Electric Cooperative. It operates at a voltage of 69 kV, serving the regional grid.
McCook 1 Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Texas, United States. It is owned and operated by South Texas Electric Cooperative, a member-owned utility serving rural and suburban areas. The substation operates at a voltage of 69 kV, which is typical for distribution-level infrastructure that steps down power from transmission lines to local networks. As part of the U.S. electrical grid, McCook 1 Substation operates under the regulatory framework of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) reliability standards and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for interstate transmission. The 69 kV voltage level places it in the sub-transmission or distribution category, often serving industrial or large commercial loads. The facility's location in Texas, a state with a unique independent grid (ERCOT), means it adheres to ERCOT-specific reliability and market rules. Environmentally, the substation's role in distributing electricity supports local communities and industries in the Rio Grande Valley region. Its operation contributes to grid stability and energy access, particularly for rural areas served by the cooperative. The substation's age and specific equipment are not detailed, but typical substations of this voltage level use air-insulated switchgear and may have oil-filled transformers requiring environmental safeguards.
Environmental context
McCook 1 Substation is located in a rural area of Hidalgo County, Texas, near the Rio Grande. The region has a semi-arid climate with hot summers and mild winters. Substations at this voltage level typically have a small footprint and are designed to minimize environmental impact through proper containment of insulating fluids and adherence to local environmental regulations. The surrounding area is primarily agricultural, with some residential development.
Frequently asked questions
McCook 1 Substation is located in Texas, United States, near the coordinates 26.5756 N, -98.1647 W, in Hidalgo County.
McCook 1 Substation operates at a voltage of 69 kV, which is typical for sub-transmission or distribution-level substations.
McCook 1 Substation is owned and operated by South Texas Electric Cooperative, a member-owned electric utility serving rural areas in south Texas.
As part of the U.S. electrical grid, McCook 1 Substation operates under NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations. In Texas, it also follows ERCOT rules for grid reliability and market operations.
A 69 kV substation typically steps down transmission voltage for distribution to local customers or supplies industrial loads. It plays a critical role in maintaining grid stability and delivering electricity to end users.