Tennessee Valley Authority
Roane County, Tennessee
Power Supply Upgrade
Background
TVA is proposing to build about 1.2 miles of new transmission line to provide power to Rockwood Electric Utility’s Kingston Substation, which is being upgraded from 69-kilovolts to 161-kilovolts.
The majority of the line will parallel a 200-foot right-of-way that holds two existing lines — a 500-kV line and a 69-kV line. TVA proposes to build most of the new 161-kV line parallel to the existing 500-kV and 69-kV lines. Once the new 161-kV line and substation are operational, the 69-kV line would be removed.
The transmission line would consist of steel pole structures placed 110 feet from the centerline of the 500-kilovolt line. TVA would acquire a 100 feet wide easement for the new line. Where the easement parallels the existing 200-foot right-of-way, it would overlap the existing easement 15 feet. So, with the additional easement, the right-of-way would total 285 feet wide.
The proposed line would affect 12 properties.
Rockwood EU is experiencing age and condition issues at its Kingston 69-kV substation. The 46 year-old equipment will require major overhaul and/or maintenance regularly to maintain reliable service. The area is also experiencing reliability and voltage issues. If this equipment fails, Rockwood EU would not be able to provide electrical service to the area.
In addition, expected growth in the area will require more capacity, which the new facilities will be able to provide.
By continuing to provide affordable, reliable power, TVA and the distributors of TVA power will help ensure continued economic health and growth in the area.
Map
The map is a PDF file requiring Adobe Acrobat Reader. Use the zoom tool to view details of the map and allow time for it to reload. If you have questions or need help understanding the map, please contact TVA.
The map shows the route TVA is considering for the proposed transmission line.
Map of route (PDF, 303 kb)
Environmental reviews
The appropriate National Environmental Policy Act review will be conducted to ensure that the environmental impacts are minimized. TVA attempts to minimize any land requirements, private property impacts, and environmental impacts associated with this type of project.
Project schedule
Begin contacting property owners for permission to survey: March 2009
Begin construction: fall 2010
Project in service: December 2010
Related information
Frequently asked questions about TVA right-of-way
Benefits of planting native shrubs and grasses in utility rights-of-way.
- Landscaping with native shrubs (PDF file, 879 kb)
- Landscaping with native grasses (PDF file, 644 kb)
Fact sheet on electric and magnetic fields and their effects.
Environmental Protection and Best Management Practices (PDF, 7 mb)