Overview
Middlesboro Substation is an operational electrical substation in Kentucky, United States, owned and operated by Kentucky Utilities Company. It operates at a voltage of 69 kV, serving the local grid.
Middlesboro Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Kentucky, United States. Owned and operated by Kentucky Utilities Company, the facility plays a 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 a substation within the Kentucky Utilities system, it is subject to regulatory oversight by the Kentucky Public Service Commission and must comply with North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) reliability standards. The facility's 69 kV voltage level places it in the medium-voltage category, often serving as an interface between transmission and distribution networks. Kentucky Utilities, a subsidiary of PPL Corporation, operates a mix of generation, transmission, and distribution assets across the state. The substation's location in southeastern Kentucky supports the electrical needs of the surrounding community, including residential, commercial, and industrial customers. Its operational status ensures continued grid stability and power delivery in the region. The facility is part of a broader electrical infrastructure network that underpins economic activity and daily life in the area.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in a rural area of southeastern Kentucky, characterized by hilly terrain and forested landscapes. The region's electrical infrastructure must contend with challenges such as vegetation management to prevent outages and storm resilience. The 69 kV voltage level indicates a role in local distribution, with environmental considerations focused on maintaining clearances and minimizing electromagnetic field impacts on nearby land uses.
Frequently asked questions
Middlesboro Substation is located in Kentucky, United States, near the city of Middlesboro. Its approximate coordinates are 36.613436, -83.713947.
Middlesboro Substation is owned and operated by Kentucky Utilities Company, a subsidiary of PPL Corporation that provides electricity to customers in Kentucky.
Middlesboro Substation operates at a voltage of 69 kV (69,000 volts), which is a common voltage level for sub-transmission and distribution substations in the United States.
Substations in the United States must comply with North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) reliability standards, as well as state-level regulations from bodies like the Kentucky Public Service Commission. These standards cover grid reliability, cybersecurity, and equipment maintenance.
A 69 kV substation typically serves as an interface between higher-voltage transmission lines (e.g., 138 kV or 230 kV) and lower-voltage distribution networks (e.g., 12 kV or 34.5 kV). It steps down voltage for local distribution to homes and businesses.