Overview
Waskom Substation is an operational electrical substation in Waskom, Texas, owned and operated by Southwestern Electric Power Company. It operates at 69 kV, serving the regional power grid.
Waskom Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Waskom, Texas, United States. Owned and operated by Southwestern Electric Power Company (SWEPCO), a subsidiary of American Electric Power, this facility plays a role in the regional transmission and distribution network. The substation operates at a voltage of 69 kV, which is typical for sub-transmission or distribution-level infrastructure supporting local load centers. As part of the U.S. electrical grid, Waskom Substation operates under the regulatory oversight of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for wholesale electricity markets and reliability standards set by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC). SWEPCO is a member of the Southwest Power Pool (SPP), a Regional Transmission Organization (RTO) that coordinates grid operations across multiple states. The substation likely includes switchgear, transformers, and protection systems compliant with IEEE and NERC standards. The substation's location in East Texas places it within a region with a mix of industrial, commercial, and residential demand. Its operational status ensures continued reliability for local power distribution. Substations like Waskom are critical for voltage regulation and grid stability, supporting the integration of generation sources and load centers.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in a rural area near Waskom, Texas, with surrounding land use including agriculture and small communities. Electrical infrastructure in this region must consider storm resilience due to the area's susceptibility to severe weather, including thunderstorms and occasional hurricanes. The 69 kV voltage level indicates a distribution or sub-transmission role, with environmental impacts typically limited to electromagnetic fields and land use for equipment. SWEPCO's operations are subject to environmental regulations under the Clean Air Act and state-level requirements for maintenance and vegetation management.
Frequently asked questions
Waskom Substation is located in Waskom, Texas, United States, at coordinates 32.478092, -94.046390.
Waskom Substation is owned and operated by Southwestern Electric Power Company (SWEPCO), a subsidiary of American Electric Power.
Waskom Substation operates at a voltage of 69 kV, which is typical for sub-transmission or distribution-level substations.
As part of the U.S. electrical grid, Waskom Substation is subject to NERC reliability standards and FERC regulation. SWEPCO is a member of the Southwest Power Pool (SPP) RTO.
A 69 kV substation typically steps down voltage from higher transmission levels for local distribution, serving industrial, commercial, and residential customers. It also provides switching and protection functions.