Overview
Fountain Head Substation is an operational electrical substation in Tennessee, United States, owned and operated by Cumberland Electric Membership Corporation. It operates at a voltage of 161 kV, serving the local grid.
Fountain Head Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Tennessee, United States. Owned and operated by Cumberland Electric Membership Corporation, the facility plays a key role in the regional power distribution network. The substation operates at a voltage of 161 kV, which is typical for sub-transmission and distribution-level infrastructure in rural cooperative systems. The substation's technical specifications include a voltage level of 161 kV, indicating its role in stepping down power from higher transmission voltages for local distribution. As part of the Cumberland Electric Membership Corporation's network, it supports electricity delivery to member-consumers in the region. The facility operates under the regulatory framework of the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and adheres to NERC reliability standards for grid stability. Fountain Head Substation contributes to the electrical infrastructure of rural Tennessee, ensuring reliable power supply to the surrounding communities. Its location in a rural area underscores its importance for agricultural and residential electricity needs. The substation's operational status and voltage level reflect its critical role in maintaining grid stability and supporting local economic activities.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in a rural area of Tennessee, characterized by mixed agricultural and residential land use. The local environment includes woodlands and farmland, with potential ecological considerations such as wildlife corridors and water runoff management. The facility's operation involves electromagnetic fields and potential impacts on local flora and fauna, though standard mitigation measures are typically employed. The rural setting reduces exposure to urban heat island effects but requires attention to stormwater management and vegetation clearance around the site.
Frequently asked questions
Fountain Head Substation is located in Tennessee, United States, at coordinates 36.551514, -86.479305. It serves the rural areas around Sumner County and is part of the Cumberland Electric Membership Corporation's distribution network.
Fountain Head Substation operates at a voltage of 161 kV (161,000 volts). This voltage level is typical for sub-transmission substations that step down power from higher transmission voltages for local distribution.
Fountain Head Substation is owned and operated by Cumberland Electric Membership Corporation, a rural electric cooperative serving members in Middle Tennessee.
Substations in the United States must comply with NERC reliability standards for grid stability and FERC regulations for transmission-level assets. Additionally, facilities under the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) jurisdiction follow TVA's interconnection requirements and safety guidelines.
A 161 kV substation serves as a critical node in the electrical grid, stepping down high-voltage transmission power (typically 161 kV) to lower distribution voltages (e.g., 69 kV or 12 kV) for delivery to homes and businesses. It also provides switching and protection functions to maintain grid reliability.