Overview
Val Verde Substation is an operational electrical substation in Texas, United States, owned by South Texas Electric Cooperative. It operates at 138 kV, supporting regional grid stability.
Val Verde Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Texas, United States. Owned by South Texas Electric Cooperative, it plays a key role in the regional power distribution network. The substation operates at a voltage of 138 kV, which is typical for sub-transmission and distribution-level infrastructure in the United States. As a substation, Val Verde is part of the broader electrical infrastructure that ensures reliable electricity delivery to consumers. The facility operates under the regulatory oversight of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), which set reliability standards for the bulk power system. The 138 kV voltage level indicates it serves as a critical node for distributing power from transmission lines to local distribution networks. The substation's location in Texas places it within the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) grid, which manages the majority of the state's electrical load. Its operational status and voltage level suggest it supports both urban and rural communities in the region, contributing to grid resilience and energy access. The facility's role in the cooperative-owned system highlights its importance to member-owned utilities and local economic activity.
Environmental context
The substation is located in Hidalgo County, Texas, a region characterized by a subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. The area is part of the Lower Rio Grande Valley, which supports agriculture and wildlife habitats. Electrical infrastructure like Val Verde Substation must be designed to withstand extreme weather events, including hurricanes and heatwaves, which can impact grid reliability. The facility's 138 kV voltage level places it in a medium-voltage category, balancing transmission efficiency with local distribution needs.
Frequently asked questions
Val Verde Substation is located in Texas, United States, near coordinates 26.234044, -98.080438, within the service area of South Texas Electric Cooperative.
Val Verde Substation operates at 138 kV, a common voltage for sub-transmission and distribution substations in the United States.
Val Verde Substation is owned by South Texas Electric Cooperative, a member-owned utility serving rural and suburban areas in south Texas.
As part of the U.S. bulk power system, Val Verde Substation must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations. It operates within the ERCOT grid, which has additional regional reliability requirements.
A 138 kV substation typically steps down transmission-level voltage for distribution to local networks, serving as a critical link between high-voltage transmission lines and end-users. It helps maintain grid stability and reliability.