Overview
Unocal Parker-Bakke Substation is an operational 138 kV substation in Texas, United States, owned and operated by Oncor. It plays a key role in regional grid stability.
Unocal Parker-Bakke Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Texas, United States. Owned and operated by Oncor, a major transmission and distribution utility, this facility operates at 138 kV, a standard sub-transmission voltage level that supports local distribution networks and industrial customers. The substation operates under the regulatory framework of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), ensuring compliance with reliability standards for grid stability. Oncor, as a transmission service provider, adheres to NERC's Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) standards and Texas Reliability Entity (TRE) oversight. The 138 kV voltage level is typical for medium-scale substations feeding industrial or urban areas. Located in the Permian Basin region, this substation likely supports oil and gas operations, a key economic driver in the area. Its role in distributing power to local industries underscores its importance to regional energy infrastructure. The facility's operational status and integration into Oncor's grid contribute to reliable electricity supply for surrounding communities and commercial activities.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in the Permian Basin, a semi-arid region with significant oil and gas extraction activities. Its 138 kV voltage level and rural location present moderate environmental considerations, including potential impacts on local wildlife and land use. Typical substations in this region operate under standard environmental compliance for electromagnetic fields and stormwater management.
Frequently asked questions
Unocal Parker-Bakke Substation is located in Texas, United States, near coordinates 32.261548, -102.590737, in the Permian Basin region.
The substation operates at 138 kV, a common sub-transmission voltage used to distribute power to industrial and urban areas.
The substation is owned and operated by Oncor, a major electric transmission and distribution utility in Texas.
As part of the US grid, the substation must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations, including CIP standards for cybersecurity and physical security.
138 kV substations step down transmission voltage for local distribution, serving industrial customers and feeding lower-voltage networks. They are critical for grid reliability and load balancing.