Overview
Madison West Switching Station is a 161 kV substation operated by the Tennessee Valley Authority in Madison County, Tennessee. It plays a key role in regional grid stability and power distribution.
Madison West Switching Station is a high-voltage substation located in Madison County, Tennessee, United States. Operated by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), it operates at 161 kV, a standard transmission voltage that supports the interconnection of generation and load centers within the TVA power system. The facility is part of TVA's extensive transmission network, which spans seven states and serves over 10 million people. As a switching station, it provides critical switching and voltage regulation functions, ensuring reliable power flow across the region. The station adheres to NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations, which govern the operation and maintenance of bulk power system assets in the United States. Madison West Switching Station contributes to the resilience of the local electrical infrastructure by enabling grid flexibility and supporting load balancing. Its location in western Tennessee positions it to serve both urban and rural communities, reinforcing the region's energy security and economic vitality.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in a region characterized by a mix of agricultural land and small urban centers. The 161 kV voltage level indicates a medium-scale transmission asset that connects local distribution networks to the broader grid. The facility's operation involves standard electromagnetic field management and oil containment for switchgear, with TVA implementing environmental stewardship practices to minimize ecological impact.
Frequently asked questions
Madison West Switching Station is located in Madison County, Tennessee, United States, near the city of Jackson. Its coordinates are approximately 35.6407 N, -88.9047 W.
Madison West Switching Station is operated by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), a federally owned corporation that provides electricity for parts of seven southeastern states.
Madison West Switching Station operates at 161 kV (kilovolts), which is a common transmission voltage in the United States for regional power distribution.
Substations in the United States must comply with NERC reliability standards for bulk power system operation and FERC regulations for transmission infrastructure. TVA also follows its own internal standards for safety and maintenance.
A switching station provides switching and voltage regulation functions, allowing grid operators to reconfigure transmission paths, isolate faults, and maintain stable voltage levels. It is a key node in the transmission network.