Overview
McWillie Substation is an operational electrical substation in the United States, owned and operated by Southwestern Electric Power Company. It operates at 138 kV, serving the regional grid.
McWillie Substation is an operational electrical substation located in the United States, owned and operated by Southwestern Electric Power Company (SWEPCO), a subsidiary of American Electric Power. The facility operates at a voltage of 138 kV, placing it in the medium-to-high voltage range typical for sub-transmission and distribution substations that support regional grid stability. As a 138 kV substation, McWillie Substation plays a role in stepping down power from higher transmission voltages for local distribution or interconnecting with other grid assets. In the United States, substations of this class are subject to NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations for transmission-level facilities, ensuring operational safety and grid resilience. SWEPCO serves parts of Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas, and this substation likely supports load in the Shreveport-Bossier City area given its coordinates near Shreveport, Louisiana. The substation's operational status and voltage level indicate it is an active node in the regional electrical infrastructure. Its location in the southern US, where weather events like hurricanes and heatwaves can stress the grid, underscores the importance of robust substation design and maintenance. The facility contributes to reliable electricity delivery for residential, commercial, and industrial customers in the region.
Environmental context
The substation is located in the southern United States, a region prone to extreme weather events such as hurricanes, thunderstorms, and heatwaves, which can impact grid reliability. The 138 kV voltage level suggests it serves a mix of urban and rural loads, with potential environmental considerations including vegetation management for clearance and stormwater runoff control. Substations of this type typically implement oil containment systems for transformers to prevent soil and water contamination.
Frequently asked questions
McWillie Substation is located in the United States, near Shreveport, Louisiana, at coordinates 32.480070, -93.765397.
McWillie Substation operates at 138 kV, which is a common voltage for sub-transmission and distribution substations in the United States.
McWillie Substation is owned and operated by Southwestern Electric Power Company (SWEPCO), a subsidiary of American Electric Power.
In the United States, substations operating at 138 kV are subject to NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations for transmission-level assets, ensuring grid stability and safety.
A 138 kV substation typically steps down higher transmission voltages for local distribution or interconnects with other grid assets, playing a critical role in delivering reliable electricity to residential, commercial, and industrial customers.