Substations: Where Transmission and Distribution Meet

By Nicholas Sakelaris | July 29, 2026

Photos by BRIAN ELLEDGE
Photos by BRIAN ELLEDGE

BEFORE ELECTRICITY powers your home, it makes an important stop along the way at the substation. This is where high-voltage electricity is safely reduced to a lower voltage so it can travel through CoServ’s poles and wires to reach your home or business.

As we continue exploring how electricity moves from generation to your home, this photo tour offers a closer look at one of Brazos Electric Power Cooperative's substations. Three CoServ circuits extend from this facility, helping deliver reliable service to Members in the surrounding area.

In 2025, CoServ made the strategic decision to begin building, owning, and maintaining our own substations. We have several facilities in the planning stages that will support our growing system. Owning substations will provide greater operational flexibility, improve long-term reliability, and help support the continued growth of our service area.

Transmission lines enter the substation here. This section of the substation before the electricity is stepped down at the transformer is called the “high side.”
Transmission lines enter the substation here. This section of the substation before the electricity is stepped down at the transformer is called the “high side.”
High-side switches in the closed position. If needed, these switches can be opened to de-energize portions of the substation for maintenance or upgrades.
High-side switches in the closed position. If needed, these switches can be opened to de-energize portions of the substation for maintenance or upgrades.
Capacitor banks help maintain proper voltage levels and improve the efficiency of delivering electricity across the system.
Capacitor banks help maintain proper voltage levels and improve the efficiency of delivering electricity across the system.
Circuit breakers automatically disconnect power when they detect a problem on the system, helping protect equipment and maintain reliability. Similar protective equipment is installed on the distribution side of the substation.
Circuit breakers automatically disconnect power when they detect a problem on the system, helping protect equipment and maintain reliability. Similar protective equipment is installed on the distribution side of the substation.
Transformers are the largest, most recognizable pieces of equipment in the substation. Substation transformers step down the voltage from high voltage (coming in on the left side) to distribution voltage (on the right side). The substation transformer area is also where the amount of electricity delivered to CoServ is measured.
Transformers are the largest, most recognizable pieces of equipment in the substation. Substation transformers step down the voltage from high voltage (coming in on the left side) to distribution voltage (on the right side). The substation transformer area is also where the amount of electricity delivered to CoServ is measured.
CoServ’s distribution system uses mostly wooden poles, like these, to carry the power out of the substation to our Members.
CoServ’s distribution system uses mostly wooden poles, like these, to carry the power out of the substation to our Members.