Overview
Walters Hydroelectric Plant Substation is an operational substation in the United States, owned by Duke Energy. It handles multiple voltage levels including 161 kV, 138 kV, 115 kV, and 12.47 kV.
Walters Hydroelectric Plant Substation is an electrical substation located in the United States, owned and operated by Duke Energy. The facility is operational and serves as a key node in the regional power grid, stepping down transmission voltages for distribution. The substation operates at multiple voltage levels: 161 kV, 138 kV, 115 kV, and 12.47 kV. These voltages indicate its role in both high-voltage transmission and medium-voltage distribution. As part of Duke Energy's infrastructure, it adheres to North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) reliability standards and is subject to Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) oversight for transmission-level assets. The substation supports the Walters Hydroelectric Plant, integrating renewable hydroelectric power into the grid. Its location in a rural area of Tennessee contributes to local grid stability and provides electricity to surrounding communities. Typical substations of this scale require regular maintenance to ensure reliability.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in a rural, mountainous region of eastern Tennessee, near the Great Smoky Mountains. The area experiences significant rainfall and seasonal temperature variations, which can affect equipment performance and maintenance schedules. The facility's role in transmitting hydroelectric power supports renewable energy integration, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. However, the substation's proximity to forested areas requires careful vegetation management to prevent wildfire risks and ensure line clearance.
Frequently asked questions
Walters Hydroelectric Plant Substation is located in the United States, near the Walters Dam in Tennessee, with coordinates approximately 35.774185, -83.099409.
The substation handles multiple voltage levels: 161 kV, 138 kV, 115 kV for transmission, and 12.47 kV for distribution.
The substation is owned and operated by Duke Energy, a major electric power holding company in the United States.
As part of the US electrical grid, the substation must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations for transmission assets.
It integrates power from the Walters Hydroelectric Plant into the grid, stepping up or down voltages to ensure stable electricity supply to the region.