Overview
Yoakum Gaetner Road Substation is an operational 138 kV substation in Texas, owned and operated by the Lower Colorado River Authority, serving the regional power grid.
Yoakum Gaetner Road Substation is an electrical substation located in Texas, United States, owned and operated by the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA). Operating at 138 kV, it is a medium-voltage facility that plays a role in the transmission and distribution of electricity within the LCRA's service area, which spans parts of central Texas. The substation operates under the regulatory framework of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), ensuring compliance with reliability standards for the bulk power system. As a 138 kV substation, it is typical of sub-transmission infrastructure that connects higher-voltage transmission lines to local distribution networks, supporting both urban and rural loads. Environmental and operational significance includes its role in grid stability and power delivery to communities in the region. The LCRA manages water and power resources, and this substation contributes to the reliability of electricity supply for residential, commercial, and agricultural customers. Its location in a rural area of Texas underscores its importance in extending grid access to less densely populated regions.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in a rural area of Texas, where the local environment includes agricultural land and natural habitats. The 138 kV voltage level indicates it is part of the sub-transmission network, which typically has lower environmental impact than high-voltage lines but still requires rights-of-way management to minimize effects on vegetation and wildlife. The LCRA's operations are subject to environmental regulations that govern land use and electromagnetic field exposure.
Frequently asked questions
Yoakum Gaetner Road Substation is located in Texas, United States, near the city of Yoakum. Its coordinates are approximately 29.28° N, 97.16° W.
Yoakum Gaetner Road Substation operates at 138 kV (kilovolts), which is a common sub-transmission voltage level in the United States.
The substation is owned and operated by the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA), a public utility that provides electricity and water services in central Texas.
As part of the U.S. bulk power system, the substation must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations, ensuring grid stability and security.
A 138 kV substation typically steps down voltage from higher transmission lines (e.g., 345 kV) to distribution levels (e.g., 69 kV or lower), serving as a critical node for delivering electricity to local communities.