Overview
Tracy Substation is an operational electrical substation in California, United States, owned by the Western Area Power Administration. It operates at 500 kV and 230 kV voltage levels, serving as a key node in the regional transmission grid.
Tracy Substation is an operational electrical substation located in California, United States. Owned by the Western Area Power Administration (WAPA), it is a critical component of the high-voltage transmission network, facilitating the bulk transfer of electricity across the region. The substation operates at dual voltage levels of 500 kV and 230 kV, indicating its role in both long-distance transmission and regional distribution. As part of WAPA's infrastructure, it falls under the regulatory oversight of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and must comply with North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) reliability standards. The facility's voltage class places it in the large-scale category, typical for major interconnection points in the Western Interconnection. Tracy Substation supports grid stability and reliability in California's Central Valley, an area with significant agricultural and industrial energy demand. Its strategic location helps integrate renewable energy resources and maintain power quality for downstream communities. The substation's operational status ensures continued service to the regional power system.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in California's Central Valley, a region with hot, dry summers and a growing demand for electricity from agriculture and urban centers. Its high-voltage infrastructure is designed to minimize transmission losses over long distances, contributing to energy efficiency. The facility's location in a seismically active area requires robust engineering to withstand earthquakes, ensuring grid resilience.
Frequently asked questions
Tracy Substation is located in California, United States, near the city of Tracy. Its coordinates are approximately 37.797918 N, -121.580705 W.
Tracy Substation operates at 500 kV and 230 kV, making it a high-voltage substation that connects long-distance transmission lines with regional distribution networks.
Tracy Substation is owned by the Western Area Power Administration (WAPA), a federal agency responsible for marketing and transmitting hydroelectric power in the western United States.
As part of the U.S. bulk power system, Tracy Substation must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations. It also adheres to ISO/IEC 61850 for substation automation.
Tracy Substation serves as a key interconnection point in the Western Interconnection, facilitating power transfer between generation sources and load centers, and supporting grid stability in California.