Overview
Oak Plains Substation is an operational electrical substation in Tennessee, United States, owned and operated by Cumberland Electric Membership Corporation. It handles voltages of 161 kV and 24.94 kV.
Oak Plains Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Tennessee, United States. Owned and operated by Cumberland Electric Membership Corporation, the facility plays a key role in the regional power distribution network. The substation handles primary voltage levels of 161 kV and 24.94 kV, indicating its function as a transmission-to-distribution step-down facility. Operating under the regulatory framework of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), the substation adheres to mandatory reliability standards. As part of a rural electric cooperative, it serves member-owners in the Cumberland Electric service territory, typical of many cooperative-owned substations in the United States that focus on reliable electricity delivery to rural and suburban communities. The substation's location in Tennessee places it within the Southeastern Electric Reliability Council (SERC) region, which coordinates grid reliability across multiple states. Its operational status and voltage levels suggest it is a critical node for local distribution, supporting residential, commercial, and agricultural loads. The facility contributes to grid stability and energy access in the area.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in a rural area of Tennessee, where the surrounding landscape includes agricultural fields and woodlands. Electrical infrastructure in such settings typically requires vegetation management to maintain clearance from power lines, which can affect local ecosystems. The substation's operation involves minimal direct environmental impact, but its role in distributing electricity supports regional development and energy reliability.
Frequently asked questions
Oak Plains Substation is located in Tennessee, United States, at coordinates 36.429105, -87.168269.
Oak Plains Substation is owned and operated by Cumberland Electric Membership Corporation, a rural electric cooperative.
Oak Plains Substation handles voltages of 161 kV and 24.94 kV, indicating it serves as a transmission-to-distribution substation.
As part of the US electrical grid, Oak Plains Substation operates under NERC reliability standards and FERC regulation, ensuring grid stability and safety.
Substations like Oak Plains step down high transmission voltages to lower distribution voltages, enabling safe delivery of electricity to homes and businesses.