Overview
James Kent Substation is an operational electrical substation in the United States, operated by Pickwick Electric Cooperative. It operates at 69 kV, serving as a key node in the local power distribution grid.
James Kent Substation is an operational electrical substation located in the United States, specifically at coordinates 35.357669, -88.373830. The facility is owned and operated by Pickwick Electric Cooperative, a member-owned utility serving rural areas in Tennessee and Mississippi. With a voltage level of 69 kV, this substation is classified as a medium-voltage facility, playing a critical role in stepping down transmission-level power for local distribution. The substation operates under the regulatory framework of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), which enforce reliability standards for the bulk power system. As a 69 kV facility, it is subject to NERC's Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) standards, ensuring cybersecurity and physical security measures are in place. The equipment likely includes modern switchgear and protection relays compliant with IEEE standards, typical for substations of this scale in the region. Environmentally, the substation is situated in a rural area of western Tennessee, near the Tennessee River. Its operation supports the local agricultural and residential communities by providing reliable electricity. The facility's location away from dense urban centers reduces immediate environmental impact, though it still requires careful management of insulating oils and potential electromagnetic fields. Overall, James Kent Substation is a vital component of the regional grid, ensuring stable power supply to Pickwick Electric Cooperative's members.
Environmental context
The substation is located in a rural area of western Tennessee, characterized by agricultural land and proximity to the Tennessee River. The 69 kV voltage level indicates a medium-voltage facility, which typically has a smaller footprint and lower electromagnetic field exposure compared to high-voltage transmission substations. The rural setting reduces the risk of direct human exposure, but the facility must manage potential environmental impacts such as oil spills from transformers and vegetation management to maintain clearance.
Frequently asked questions
James Kent Substation is located in the United States, at coordinates 35.357669, -88.373830, which is in western Tennessee near the Tennessee River.
James Kent Substation operates at a voltage of 69 kV, which is a medium-voltage level commonly used for subtransmission and distribution in rural areas.
James Kent Substation is owned and operated by Pickwick Electric Cooperative, a member-owned utility serving parts of Tennessee and Mississippi.
Substations in the United States must comply with NERC reliability standards, including CIP for cybersecurity, and FERC regulations for transmission-level assets. For 69 kV facilities, NERC's Critical Infrastructure Protection standards are applicable.
A 69 kV substation typically steps down transmission voltage to distribution levels, serving as a critical node for delivering electricity to local communities and industries. It also provides switching and protection functions to maintain grid stability.