Whalen Lake Substation - Operational 138 kV Substation in the United States

Whalen Lake Substation is an operational electrical substation located in the United States, with coordinates 32.351549, -102.736459. The facility operates at a voltage level of 138 kV, which is typical for sub-transmission and distribution substations, serving to step down voltage for local distribution or interconnect regional grids. As a substation in the United States, Whalen Lake Substation operates under the regulatory framework of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). These bodies enforce reliability standards and oversee the bulk power system. The 138 kV voltage class is common for medium-scale substations that support industrial, commercial, and residential loads. The substation's environmental context involves its location in a rural area of Texas, where it likely supports oil and gas operations or agricultural communities. Its operational status ensures continued grid reliability, and its design adheres to standard substation automation protocols such as IEC 61850 for communication and control.

The substation is situated in a rural area of Texas, characterized by flat terrain and semi-arid climate. The 138 kV voltage level indicates it serves as a critical node for local power distribution, potentially supporting nearby oil and gas extraction activities or agricultural operations. The facility's design likely includes measures to mitigate environmental impact, such as containment for insulating fluids and noise reduction.