Overview
Whitehurst Substation is an operational electrical substation in the United States, owned and operated by Southwestern Electric Power Company. It operates at 138 kV, supporting regional grid stability.
Whitehurst Substation is an operational electrical substation located in the United States, owned and operated by Southwestern Electric Power Company (SWEPCO), a subsidiary of American Electric Power. The facility operates at a voltage of 138 kV, classifying it as a high-voltage substation that plays a critical role in the transmission and distribution of electricity within the regional grid. As a 138 kV substation, Whitehurst operates under the regulatory framework of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). These standards ensure reliability and security of the bulk power system. The substation likely includes modern switchgear and protection systems compliant with industry standards such as IEEE C37, and may utilize automation protocols like DNP3 for remote monitoring and control. The substation serves as a key node in SWEPCO's transmission network, facilitating the flow of electricity from generation sources to distribution systems serving residential, commercial, and industrial customers in the region. Its location in the southern United States places it within an area subject to weather-related risks such as hurricanes and thunderstorms, which can impact grid reliability. The facility's operational status and voltage level underscore its importance in maintaining stable power supply to the local community.
Environmental context
The substation is located in a region with a humid subtropical climate, characterized by hot summers and mild winters, which influences electrical infrastructure design for thermal management and weather resilience. The surrounding area includes a mix of urban and rural land uses, with the substation likely situated near load centers to minimize transmission losses. Its 138 kV voltage level indicates it is part of the sub-transmission or transmission network, contributing to grid stability and supporting integration of distributed energy resources.
Frequently asked questions
Whitehurst Substation is located in the United States, with coordinates approximately 32.5389° N, -93.6591° W. It is owned and operated by Southwestern Electric Power Company.
Whitehurst Substation operates at a voltage of 138 kV (138,000 volts), classifying it as a high-voltage substation used for transmission and sub-transmission of electricity.
Whitehurst Substation is owned and operated by Southwestern Electric Power Company (SWEPCO), a utility company serving parts of Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas.
Substations in the United States, including Whitehurst, must comply with NERC reliability standards for grid stability and FERC regulations for interstate transmission. They also follow IEEE and ANSI standards for equipment and safety.
A 138 kV substation serves as a critical node in the transmission network, stepping down voltage from higher levels (e.g., 345 kV) for distribution or stepping up from generation sources. It helps balance load, route power, and maintain grid reliability.