Overview
Tenmile Substation is an operational electrical substation in Tennessee, United States, owned and operated by Volunteer Energy Cooperative. It operates at 161 kV, serving the local grid.
Tenmile Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Tennessee, United States. Owned and operated by Volunteer Energy Cooperative, it is a key node in the regional power distribution network. The substation operates at a voltage of 161 kV, which is typical for sub-transmission and distribution-level infrastructure in the United States. As a 161 kV substation, Tenmile Substation falls under the regulatory oversight of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for reliability standards. The facility likely includes switchgear, transformers, and protection systems compliant with IEEE and NERC standards. Volunteer Energy Cooperative, a member-owned utility, serves rural and suburban areas in eastern Tennessee, and this substation supports reliable electricity delivery to its members. The substation plays a critical role in maintaining grid stability in the region, particularly given the growing demand from residential and commercial customers. Its location in Tennessee places it within the Southeastern Electric Reliability Council (SERC) region, which coordinates reliability across multiple states. The facility's operational status ensures continued service to the local community, contributing to the overall resilience of the U.S. electrical infrastructure.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in a rural area of eastern Tennessee, characterized by rolling hills and a mix of agricultural and forested land. The local climate includes hot summers and mild winters, with occasional severe thunderstorms that can impact grid reliability. The facility's 161 kV voltage level indicates it serves as a distribution substation, stepping down power from higher-voltage transmission lines to supply local feeders. Its rural location may reduce exposure to urban heat island effects but requires robust vegetation management to prevent outages from tree contact.
Frequently asked questions
Tenmile Substation is located in Tennessee, United States, at coordinates 35.663329, -84.679055. It is operated by Volunteer Energy Cooperative.
Tenmile Substation operates at 161 kV (161,000 volts), which is a common voltage level for sub-transmission and distribution substations in the United States.
Tenmile Substation is owned and operated by Volunteer Energy Cooperative, a member-owned electric utility serving parts of eastern Tennessee.
As part of the U.S. bulk power system, Tenmile Substation must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations. It also follows IEEE and ANSI standards for substation equipment and safety.
A 161 kV substation typically steps down voltage from higher transmission levels (e.g., 230 kV or 345 kV) to distribution levels (e.g., 69 kV or lower) for local delivery. It also provides switching, protection, and monitoring functions to ensure grid reliability.