Overview
New Barksdale Substation is an operational electrical substation in Texas, United States, owned and operated by Pedernales Electric Cooperative. It operates at a voltage of 69 kV, serving the local grid.
New Barksdale Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Texas, United States. Owned and operated by Pedernales Electric Cooperative, it plays a key role in the regional power distribution network. The substation operates at a voltage of 69 kV, which is typical for sub-transmission and distribution-level infrastructure in rural cooperative systems. As part of the U.S. electrical grid, this facility operates under the regulatory framework established by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and adheres to North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) reliability standards. Substations like this one are critical for stepping down voltage from transmission lines to distribution levels, ensuring stable power delivery to residential and commercial customers. The 69 kV voltage class is common for serving rural areas and smaller communities. Environmental considerations for substations include managing insulating oil to prevent leaks and minimizing electromagnetic field exposure. The facility's location in a rural area of Texas reduces its impact on densely populated zones. Pedernales Electric Cooperative, one of the largest electric cooperatives in the U.S., operates this substation as part of its commitment to reliable service for its members.
Environmental context
The substation is located in a rural area of Texas, where the surrounding landscape consists of open grasslands and scattered woodlands. The 69 kV voltage level indicates it serves local distribution needs, with lower environmental impact compared to high-voltage transmission lines. Standard mitigation measures include oil containment systems for transformers and vegetation management to maintain clearance.
Frequently asked questions
New Barksdale Substation is located in Texas, United States, at coordinates 29.765543, -100.079186. It is owned and operated by Pedernales Electric Cooperative.
New Barksdale Substation operates at a voltage of 69 kV, which is a common voltage for sub-transmission and distribution substations in rural areas.
New Barksdale Substation is owned and operated by Pedernales Electric Cooperative, a member-owned electric utility serving central Texas.
Substations in the U.S. must comply with NERC reliability standards for grid stability and FERC regulations for interstate electricity transmission. Local utilities also follow state-level public utility commission rules.
A 69 kV substation typically steps down voltage from higher transmission levels (e.g., 138 kV or 230 kV) to distribution levels (e.g., 12 kV or 25 kV) for delivery to homes and businesses. It also provides switching and protection functions.