Overview
Lowndes Substation is an operational electrical substation in the United States, owned and operated by the Tennessee Valley Authority. It handles voltages of 500 kV and 161 kV, serving the regional power grid.
Lowndes Substation is an operational electrical substation located in the United States, owned and operated by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). The facility is situated at coordinates 33.647435, -88.316571 and serves as a key node in the regional transmission network. As a substation, it plays a critical role in stepping down high-voltage electricity for distribution and interconnecting different parts of the grid. The substation operates with voltage levels of 500 kV and 161 kV, indicating its role in both high-voltage transmission and sub-transmission. These voltage levels are typical for major substations that connect bulk power transmission lines to local distribution networks. The facility is part of TVA's extensive infrastructure, which serves a multi-state region in the southeastern United States. TVA is a federally owned corporation subject to FERC regulation and NERC reliability standards, ensuring grid stability and compliance. Environmentally, the substation's location in a rural area of Mississippi minimizes direct impact on urban populations. The facility supports the integration of diverse generation sources, including hydroelectric, nuclear, and natural gas plants, into the grid. By maintaining reliable voltage levels, Lowndes Substation contributes to the overall resilience of the regional electrical infrastructure, supporting residential, commercial, and industrial customers across the area.
Environmental context
The substation is located in a rural area of Mississippi, which reduces potential electromagnetic field exposure to dense populations. Its operation is subject to NERC reliability standards that mandate environmental protections during maintenance and construction. The facility's high voltage levels (500 kV) require careful siting to minimize visual and ecological impact, though no specific protected areas are known nearby.
Frequently asked questions
Lowndes Substation is located in the United States, specifically in Mississippi near coordinates 33.647435, -88.316571. It is owned and operated by the Tennessee Valley Authority.
Lowndes Substation operates with voltage levels of 500 kV and 161 kV. These are typical for high-voltage transmission and sub-transmission in the US grid.
Lowndes Substation is owned and operated by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), a federally owned corporation that provides electricity to parts of seven southeastern states.
As part of the US bulk power system, Lowndes Substation must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations. TVA also follows internal standards for safety and environmental protection.
Lowndes Substation serves as a key node in TVA's transmission network, stepping down high-voltage electricity from 500 kV to 161 kV for distribution to local utilities and customers.