Overview
San Saba Substation is an operational electrical substation in Texas, United States, owned and operated by the Lower Colorado River Authority. It operates at 138 kV and 12.5 kV voltage levels, serving the regional power grid.
San Saba Substation is an electrical substation located in Texas, United States, owned and operated by the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA). The facility is currently operational and plays a role in the state's electrical infrastructure, which is regulated by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). The substation operates with voltage levels of 138,000 volts (138 kV) and 12,500 volts (12.5 kV), indicating it serves both transmission and distribution functions. The 138 kV level is typical for subtransmission or transmission applications, while the 12.5 kV level is common for local distribution. As part of the LCRA system, it supports the reliability of the Texas Interconnection, which is managed by the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT). The facility's location in rural Texas underscores its role in delivering electricity to communities and industries in the region. Substations like San Saba are critical for voltage regulation and grid stability, ensuring that power generated at distant plants reaches end users efficiently. The LCRA's oversight aligns with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations for transmission assets.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in a rural area of central Texas, characterized by a mix of agricultural land and natural habitats. Its operation involves electromagnetic fields and potential impacts on local wildlife, though modern substations are designed to minimize ecological disruption. The facility's voltage levels and location contribute to grid stability in a region prone to extreme weather events, such as heatwaves and winter storms, which can stress electrical infrastructure.
Frequently asked questions
San Saba Substation is located in Texas, United States, at coordinates 31.191999, -98.690321. It is owned and operated by the Lower Colorado River Authority.
San Saba Substation operates at 138,000 volts (138 kV) and 12,500 volts (12.5 kV), serving both transmission and distribution functions.
San Saba Substation is owned and operated by the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA), a public utility in Texas.
Substations in the United States are subject to NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations for transmission assets. In Texas, they also comply with ERCOT grid requirements.
Substations transform voltage levels for transmission and distribution, switch circuits, and help maintain grid stability. They are critical for delivering electricity from generators to consumers.