Overview
Hickory Star Substation is an operational electrical substation in Tennessee, United States, owned and operated by Knoxville Utilities Board. It operates at 69 kV, serving the local grid.
Hickory Star Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Tennessee, United States. Owned and operated by the Knoxville Utilities Board, this facility plays a key role in the regional power distribution network. The substation operates at a voltage of 69 kV, which is typical for sub-transmission and distribution-level infrastructure in the United States. As part of the U.S. electrical grid, Hickory Star Substation operates under regulatory oversight from state utility commissions and adheres to NERC reliability standards for grid stability. The Knoxville Utilities Board, a public utility, manages this asset to ensure reliable power delivery to residential, commercial, and industrial customers in the area. The 69 kV voltage level indicates it serves as a distribution substation, stepping down power from higher transmission voltages. The substation supports the electrical infrastructure of the Knoxville region, contributing to grid resilience and local energy needs. Its operational status ensures continued service to the community, and its location in Tennessee aligns with the state's diverse energy mix, including hydroelectric, nuclear, and natural gas generation. The facility's role in the distribution network is critical for maintaining power quality and reliability.
Environmental context
The substation is located in a region characterized by temperate climate and varied topography, including the Tennessee Valley. Electrical infrastructure like Hickory Star Substation is designed to withstand local weather conditions, such as thunderstorms and occasional ice storms. The facility's urban or suburban setting influences its environmental footprint, with considerations for electromagnetic fields and noise mitigation. The Knoxville Utilities Board likely follows environmental best practices for substation operation, including vegetation management and spill prevention.
Frequently asked questions
Hickory Star Substation is located in Tennessee, United States, at coordinates 36.227670, -83.845596. It is owned and operated by the Knoxville Utilities Board.
Hickory Star Substation operates at 69 kV (69,000 volts), which is a common voltage level for distribution substations in the United States.
Hickory Star Substation is owned and operated by the Knoxville Utilities Board, a public utility serving the Knoxville, Tennessee area.
Substations in the United States must comply with NERC reliability standards for grid stability and are regulated by state public utility commissions. The Knoxville Utilities Board follows these standards to ensure safe and reliable operation.
A 69 kV substation typically serves as a distribution substation, stepping down voltage from higher transmission levels (e.g., 115 kV or 161 kV) to lower distribution voltages for local power delivery to homes and businesses.