Overview
Patricia Substation is an operational electrical substation in Texas, United States, operated by Golden Spread Electric Cooperative. It operates at 138 kV, serving the regional power grid.
Patricia Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Texas, United States. It is owned and operated by Golden Spread Electric Cooperative, a generation and transmission cooperative serving member distribution cooperatives across the Texas Panhandle and surrounding areas. The substation operates at a voltage of 138 kV, placing it in the medium-to-high voltage range typical for sub-transmission and distribution-level infrastructure. 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 bulk power systems. As part of Golden Spread's network, Patricia Substation likely plays a role in stepping down voltage from higher transmission levels or interconnecting local generation sources. The 138 kV voltage class is common for regional power distribution and industrial supply in the United States. Patricia Substation contributes to the electrical infrastructure serving rural and semi-urban areas in West Texas. Its location near the city of Lamesa supports agricultural and community energy needs. The substation's operational status ensures grid stability and power delivery to member cooperatives, highlighting its importance in the regional energy landscape.
Environmental context
The substation is located in a semi-arid region of West Texas, characterized by agricultural land use and low population density. Electrical infrastructure in such areas often faces challenges related to extreme weather, including high winds and occasional ice storms, which can affect overhead lines and equipment. The 138 kV voltage level indicates the substation's role in distributing power to rural communities, where maintaining reliable service is critical for irrigation and local industry.
Frequently asked questions
Patricia Substation is located in Texas, United States, near the city of Lamesa. Its coordinates are approximately 32.55 N, -102.01 W.
Patricia Substation operates at 138 kV (138,000 volts), which is a common voltage for sub-transmission and distribution networks in the United States.
Patricia Substation is owned and operated by Golden Spread Electric Cooperative, a generation and transmission cooperative serving member cooperatives in Texas and Oklahoma.
As part of the U.S. bulk power system, Patricia Substation must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations, which govern grid stability, maintenance, and operational practices.
A 138 kV substation typically steps down voltage from higher transmission levels (e.g., 230 kV or 345 kV) for distribution to industrial customers or further step-down to lower voltages for residential and commercial use.