Overview
Waco Atco Substation is an operational electrical substation in Waco, Texas, owned and operated by Oncor. It operates at 138 kV and 25 kV, serving the local grid.
Waco Atco Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Waco, Texas, United States. Owned and operated by Oncor, the facility plays a key role in the regional transmission and distribution network, stepping down high-voltage electricity for local consumption. The substation operates with voltage levels of 138 kV and 25 kV, typical for a medium-to-large substation supporting both transmission and distribution functions. Oncor, a major transmission and distribution utility in Texas, operates under the regulatory oversight of the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) and adheres to NERC reliability standards to ensure grid stability. As part of the Texas Interconnection, Waco Atco Substation contributes to the resilience of the local power grid, serving residential, commercial, and industrial customers in the Waco area. Its operational status and dual-voltage capability highlight its importance in maintaining reliable electricity supply in a region subject to extreme weather events.
Environmental context
Located in central Texas, the substation operates in a region with hot summers and occasional winter storms, which can stress electrical infrastructure. The facility's urban setting near Waco means it supports a mix of residential and commercial loads, with potential environmental considerations related to electromagnetic fields and land use. Oncor's operations are subject to state and federal environmental regulations, including those from the EPA and Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.
Frequently asked questions
Waco Atco Substation is located in Waco, Texas, United States, at coordinates 31.485295, -97.250753.
Waco Atco Substation is owned and operated by Oncor, a major electric transmission and distribution utility serving Texas.
The substation operates at 138 kV for transmission and 25 kV for distribution, stepping down high-voltage electricity for local use.
Substations in the US must comply with NERC reliability standards for grid stability and are regulated by state utility commissions, such as the PUCT in Texas.
Substations transform voltage levels, switch circuits, and protect the grid, ensuring reliable electricity transmission and distribution to consumers.