Overview
Southwood Valley Substation is an operational electrical substation in College Station, Texas, owned by the City of College Station. It operates at 138 kV, serving the local grid.
Southwood Valley Substation is an electrical substation located in College Station, Texas, United States. Owned and operated by the City of College Station, the facility is currently operational and plays a key role in the local electrical infrastructure. The substation operates at a voltage of 138 kV, which is typical for distribution-level substations that step down transmission voltages for local distribution. As a substation in the United States, Southwood Valley Substation operates under the regulatory framework of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). These bodies enforce reliability standards for the bulk power system. The facility's 138 kV voltage level places it in the sub-transmission or distribution category, connecting higher-voltage transmission lines to local distribution networks. The substation serves the College Station area, supporting residential, commercial, and institutional loads, including Texas A&M University. Its role in the local grid is critical for maintaining reliable power supply to the community. The City of College Station's ownership reflects a municipal utility model common in Texas, where cities operate their own electric distribution systems.
Environmental context
The substation is located in an urban area of College Station, Texas, a region with a humid subtropical climate. Electrical infrastructure in such settings must be designed to withstand heat, humidity, and occasional severe weather like thunderstorms. The 138 kV voltage level indicates moderate environmental footprint, with typical considerations for electromagnetic fields and noise mitigation in residential areas.
Frequently asked questions
Southwood Valley Substation is located in College Station, Texas, United States, at coordinates 30.594014, -96.310410.
Southwood Valley Substation operates at a voltage of 138 kV, which is typical for sub-transmission or distribution-level substations.
The substation is owned by the City of College Station, which operates its own municipal electric utility.
As a US electrical substation, it must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations for grid stability and safety.
A 138 kV substation typically steps down transmission voltage for local distribution, serving residential, commercial, and industrial customers in the area.