Overview
Valera Substation is an operational electrical substation in Texas, United States, owned and operated by American Electric Power. It operates at a voltage of 69 kV, serving as a key node in the regional transmission grid.
Valera Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Texas, United States. Owned and operated by American Electric Power, the facility operates at a voltage of 69 kV, placing it within the sub-transmission voltage class typical for regional power distribution and grid interconnection. As part of the American Electric Power system, Valera Substation adheres to North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) reliability standards and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) regulations for transmission-level assets. The substation likely employs modern switchgear and protection systems compliant with industry standards such as ISO/IEC 61850 for substation automation, ensuring reliable power flow and grid stability. The substation plays a critical role in the local electrical infrastructure by stepping down voltage for distribution to residential, commercial, and industrial customers in the surrounding area. Its location in rural Texas supports the region's energy needs, contributing to the resilience and capacity of the broader ERCOT or SPP interconnection grid.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in a rural area of Texas, where the local environment is characterized by semi-arid grasslands and agricultural land. Electrical infrastructure in such settings must account for weather-related risks including thunderstorms, high winds, and occasional ice storms, which can affect overhead lines and equipment. The facility's design likely incorporates grounding and surge protection to mitigate lightning strikes, common in the region.
Frequently asked questions
Valera Substation is located in Texas, United States, at coordinates 31.758286, -99.547461. It is situated in a rural area and is part of the American Electric Power transmission network.
Valera Substation operates at a voltage of 69 kV, which is typical for sub-transmission substations that distribute power to local distribution networks.
Valera Substation is owned and operated by American Electric Power (AEP), one of the largest electric utilities in the United States.
As part of the U.S. electrical grid, Valera Substation must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations. It also likely adheres to ISO/IEC 61850 for substation automation and protection systems.
A 69 kV substation typically steps down transmission-level voltage (e.g., 138 kV or higher) to distribution-level voltage (e.g., 12 kV or 34.5 kV) for local delivery to homes and businesses. It also provides switching and protection functions to maintain grid stability.