Overview
Maury Substation is an operational electrical substation in Tennessee, United States, owned and operated by the Tennessee Valley Authority. It handles voltages of 500 kV and 161 kV, serving as a critical node in the regional transmission grid.
Maury Substation is an electrical substation located in Tennessee, United States, and is owned and operated by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). The facility is operational and handles high-voltage electricity at 500 kV and 161 kV, indicating its role in both bulk power transmission and sub-transmission within the TVA system. As a key asset in the Southeastern US grid, it supports the reliable delivery of electricity to a broad region. 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 US bulk power system. TVA, as a federally owned corporation, adheres to these standards to ensure grid stability. The dual voltage levels suggest the presence of step-down transformers, typical for substations that interconnect high-voltage transmission lines with lower-voltage distribution networks. Environmentally, the substation's location in Tennessee places it within a region prone to severe weather events, including thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes, which can impact grid reliability. The facility's role in the TVA system is significant for local communities and industries, providing essential infrastructure for power distribution. Its operational status and TVA's maintenance practices contribute to the overall resilience of the regional electrical network.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in Tennessee, a state with a humid subtropical climate and frequent thunderstorms that can cause power disruptions. The facility's high-voltage equipment is designed to withstand weather-related stresses, and TVA's vegetation management and maintenance programs help mitigate wildfire and storm risks. The surrounding area includes mixed urban and rural land uses, with the substation's footprint contributing to local land cover change typical of energy infrastructure.
Frequently asked questions
Maury Substation is located in Tennessee, United States, at coordinates 35.672869, -87.018594. It is owned and operated by the Tennessee Valley Authority.
Maury Substation handles voltages of 500 kV and 161 kV, making it a key node for both high-voltage transmission and sub-transmission within the TVA power grid.
Maury Substation is owned and operated by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), a federally owned corporation that provides electricity to parts of seven southeastern US states.
Substations in the US must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations. TVA, as a public utility, also follows additional federal requirements for grid security and maintenance.
By interconnecting 500 kV and 161 kV lines, Maury Substation enables efficient power transfer and voltage regulation, helping maintain stability in the TVA system and supporting regional electricity demand.