Overview
Palo Duro Substation, operated by South Texas Electric Cooperative, is an operational 138 kV substation in Texas, United States, supporting regional grid stability and power distribution.
Palo Duro Substation is an electrical substation located in Texas, United States, operated by South Texas Electric Cooperative. The facility operates at a voltage of 138 kV, placing it in the medium-to-high voltage range typical for regional transmission and distribution substations. As part of the cooperative's infrastructure, it plays a key role in delivering electricity to member consumers across south Texas. The substation operates under the regulatory framework of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), which enforce reliability standards for the bulk power system. The 138 kV voltage level is common for sub-transmission networks that connect larger transmission lines to local distribution systems. The facility's equipment likely includes circuit breakers, transformers, and switchgear compliant with IEEE and ANSI standards. Palo Duro Substation is situated in a rural area of Texas, where it supports agricultural and residential electricity needs. Its operation is critical for maintaining grid stability in the region, especially during peak demand periods. The substation's age and specific equipment details are not publicly available, but its continued operational status indicates ongoing maintenance and compliance with NERC reliability standards.
Environmental context
The substation is located in a rural area of south Texas, characterized by hot summers and mild winters, which influences electricity demand patterns. The surrounding landscape is primarily agricultural, with minimal industrial load. The facility's 138 kV voltage level suggests it serves as a key node for distributing power from larger transmission lines to local distribution networks, with potential environmental considerations related to electromagnetic fields and land use.
Frequently asked questions
Palo Duro Substation is located in Texas, United States, at coordinates approximately 28.845922, -99.190583.
Palo Duro Substation operates at a voltage of 138 kV, which is typical for sub-transmission and distribution substations in the United States.
Palo Duro Substation is operated by South Texas Electric Cooperative, a member-owned electric utility serving south Texas.
Substations in the United States must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations, as well as IEEE and ANSI standards for equipment and safety.
A 138 kV substation typically steps down voltage from higher transmission lines (e.g., 345 kV) to lower distribution levels, serving as a critical node for regional power distribution and grid stability.