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Current TVA Transmission System Projects

Alabama

New Liberty, Alabama (Cherokee and Calhoun Counties)

Update – October 2024

TVA has identified the preferred location for transmission improvements that would provide power for growing load and increase power reliability in Cherokee and Calhoun Counties in Alabama.    

TVA evaluated each route using social, engineering, and environmental factors.  Information sources included available data, aerial photography, limited onsite reviews, public review and comment, and property owner input.  Based on public input and evaluation, the preferred route is expected to have the least overall project impacts of the alternatives.

TVA’s proposed line would begin at Alabama Power Company’s Centre-Piedmont Transmission Line north of Forest Bend Road in south Cherokee County.  The line would then extend southwest for about 5.77 miles to Cherokee Electric’s New Liberty Substation to be located on the corner of New Liberty and Foster West Roads in Calhoun County.  Also, Alabama Power will install switches on the Centre-Piedmont Transmission Line.

The new line would be a single-circuit, 115-kilovolt operating (161-kilovolt designed) line built using primarily single-pole, steel structures centered on new 100-foot-wide right of way (with the possibility of 2-pole structures in hilly terrain).     

The preferred location for the new line was selected from several options presented at an open house in Piedmont, Alabama, June 27, 2024, and online at a virtual open house from June 27 through July 29, 2024.

Surveys of the right of way are scheduled to begin in summer 2025.

Easement purchases are scheduled to begin in spring 2026.

Construction is scheduled to begin in spring 2027.

The line is scheduled to be in service in fall 2027.

The National Environmental Policy Act review is pending. 

Background

TVA is considering improvements to its transmission system that would provide power for growing load and increase power reliability in the Cherokee and Calhoun County areas of Alabama.

Cherokee Electric currently rents equipment at Alabama Power’s Knightens Crossroads Substation in Piedmont, Alabama.  The substation was completed in the early 1950s and is quickly reaching its end of life.  Alabama Power has given notice to TVA and to Cherokee Electric of their need to rebuild or remove the substation soon.  If Alabama Power were to repair/rebuild the substation, the rent would increase substantially. 

As part of other construction work on their system, Cherokee Electric plans to replace transformers at their Jacksonville Substation.  Because of the issues with the Knightens Crossroads Substation, they would not have the ability to serve the electrical load during the outage of the Jacksonville Substation and therefore, would not be able to complete the transformer replacement work.

Due to the loss of the Knightens Crossroads Substation, their own aging equipment, and plans for their system, Cherokee Electric is proposing to build a substation.  The 115-kilovolt New Liberty Substation would be built on the corner of New Liberty Road and Foster West Road in Calhoun County.

TVA proposes to build about 5.5 to 5.8 miles of single-circuit, 161-kilovolt power line (to be operated at 115-kilovolt) to serve the new substation.  The proposed power line would begin at Alabama Power’s Centre-Piedmont 115-kV Line at a point north of Forest Bend Road in south Cherokee County.  Alabama Power will install switches on this line.  From that connection point, TVA’s new line would extend southwest to Cherokee Electric’s New Liberty Substation. 

The line would be built using primarily single-pole structures (with the possibility of 2‑pole, H‑frame structures in hilly areas) centered on new 100-foot-wide right of way.  TVA is considering five alternative routes consisting of nine alternative segments for the path of the new power line.

TVA will hold an open house on Thursday, June 27, 2024, to provide information, answer questions and receive comments about the proposed transmission project.  For those unable to attend the open house June 27, 2024, TVA is providing a virtual open house from June 27 through July 29, 2024, online at tvavirtual.com/newliberty.

The project is expected to be in service in fall 2027.  Construction is scheduled to begin in spring 2027.  (Dates are subject to change. Unexpected issues may arise, resulting in the need to adjust the schedule.)

Single Pole Circuit Double circuit transmission line

Public Involvement

TVA held an open house in Piedmont June 27, 2024, and a virtual open house online from June 27 through July 29, 2024, to present the project.  Within this 30-day comment period, property owners and members of the public were able to submit questions and comments online, in writing, or by telephone.

Map

The map shows the area of the proposed transmission improvements. The map is also available below as a PDF file.

If you have questions or need help understanding the map, please contact TVA (see below).

Preferred route of proposed transmission line (PDF)

Possible routes of proposed transmission line (PDF)

Project Schedule

(Dates are subject to change. Unexpected issues may arise, resulting in the need to adjust the schedule.)

Open House begins June 27, 2024
Comments accepted through July 29, 2024
Decision on the preferred route is expectedFall 2024
Surveys of the right of way are scheduled to beginSummer 2025
Easement purchases are scheduled to beginSpring 2026
Construction is scheduled to begin Spring 2027
Project in service Fall 2027

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 project.

Efforts are made during the siting process to avoid or minimize impacts to floodplains and wetlands in accordance with Executive Orders 11988 and 11990. Floodplains and wetlands are shown on the referenced map. The map illustrates how the route avoids or impacts floodplains and wetlands. Because of project and topographic constraints and because of minimizing impacts to other social, environmental, and engineering resources, no practicable alternative may be available that would allow complete avoidance of impacts to floodplains and wetlands which may require mitigation for minimizing impacts. Also, best management practices would be utilized throughout the project to minimize adverse floodplain and wetland impacts. In compliance with Section 404 of the Clean Water Act, TVA will be coordinating wetland findings with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Contact

More information on this project can be obtained from:

Nathan Murrell
[email protected]
800-362-4355
1101 Market Street, MR 4G
Chattanooga, TN 37402-2801

Georgia

New Liberty, Alabama (Cherokee and Calhoun Counties)

Update – October 2024

TVA has identified the preferred location for transmission improvements that would provide power for growing load and increase power reliability in Cherokee and Calhoun Counties in Alabama.    

TVA evaluated each route using social, engineering, and environmental factors.  Information sources included available data, aerial photography, limited onsite reviews, public review and comment, and property owner input.  Based on public input and evaluation, the preferred route is expected to have the least overall project impacts of the alternatives.

TVA’s proposed line would begin at Alabama Power Company’s Centre-Piedmont Transmission Line north of Forest Bend Road in south Cherokee County.  The line would then extend southwest for about 5.77 miles to Cherokee Electric’s New Liberty Substation to be located on the corner of New Liberty and Foster West Roads in Calhoun County.  Also, Alabama Power will install switches on the Centre-Piedmont Transmission Line.

The new line would be a single-circuit, 115-kilovolt operating (161-kilovolt designed) line built using primarily single-pole, steel structures centered on new 100-foot-wide right of way (with the possibility of 2-pole structures in hilly terrain).     

The preferred location for the new line was selected from several options presented at an open house in Piedmont, Alabama, June 27, 2024, and online at a virtual open house from June 27 through July 29, 2024.

Surveys of the right of way are scheduled to begin in summer 2025.

Easement purchases are scheduled to begin in spring 2026.

Construction is scheduled to begin in spring 2027.

The line is scheduled to be in service in fall 2027.

The National Environmental Policy Act review is pending. 

Background

TVA is considering improvements to its transmission system that would provide power for growing load and increase power reliability in the Cherokee and Calhoun County areas of Alabama.

Cherokee Electric currently rents equipment at Alabama Power’s Knightens Crossroads Substation in Piedmont, Alabama.  The substation was completed in the early 1950s and is quickly reaching its end of life.  Alabama Power has given notice to TVA and to Cherokee Electric of their need to rebuild or remove the substation soon.  If Alabama Power were to repair/rebuild the substation, the rent would increase substantially. 

As part of other construction work on their system, Cherokee Electric plans to replace transformers at their Jacksonville Substation.  Because of the issues with the Knightens Crossroads Substation, they would not have the ability to serve the electrical load during the outage of the Jacksonville Substation and therefore, would not be able to complete the transformer replacement work.

Due to the loss of the Knightens Crossroads Substation, their own aging equipment, and plans for their system, Cherokee Electric is proposing to build a substation.  The 115-kilovolt New Liberty Substation would be built on the corner of New Liberty Road and Foster West Road in Calhoun County.

TVA proposes to build about 5.5 to 5.8 miles of single-circuit, 161-kilovolt power line (to be operated at 115-kilovolt) to serve the new substation.  The proposed power line would begin at Alabama Power’s Centre-Piedmont 115-kV Line at a point north of Forest Bend Road in south Cherokee County.  Alabama Power will install switches on this line.  From that connection point, TVA’s new line would extend southwest to Cherokee Electric’s New Liberty Substation. 

The line would be built using primarily single-pole structures (with the possibility of 2‑pole, H‑frame structures in hilly areas) centered on new 100-foot-wide right of way.  TVA is considering five alternative routes consisting of nine alternative segments for the path of the new power line.

TVA will hold an open house on Thursday, June 27, 2024, to provide information, answer questions and receive comments about the proposed transmission project.  For those unable to attend the open house June 27, 2024, TVA is providing a virtual open house from June 27 through July 29, 2024, online at tvavirtual.com/newliberty.

The project is expected to be in service in fall 2027.  Construction is scheduled to begin in spring 2027.  (Dates are subject to change. Unexpected issues may arise, resulting in the need to adjust the schedule.)

Single Pole Circuit Double circuit transmission line

Public Involvement

TVA held an open house in Piedmont June 27, 2024, and a virtual open house online from June 27 through July 29, 2024, to present the project.  Within this 30-day comment period, property owners and members of the public were able to submit questions and comments online, in writing, or by telephone.

Map

The map shows the area of the proposed transmission improvements. The map is also available below as a PDF file.

If you have questions or need help understanding the map, please contact TVA (see below).

Preferred route of proposed transmission line (PDF)

Possible routes of proposed transmission line (PDF)

Project Schedule

(Dates are subject to change. Unexpected issues may arise, resulting in the need to adjust the schedule.)

Open House begins June 27, 2024
Comments accepted through July 29, 2024
Decision on the preferred route is expectedFall 2024
Surveys of the right of way are scheduled to beginSummer 2025
Easement purchases are scheduled to beginSpring 2026
Construction is scheduled to begin Spring 2027
Project in service Fall 2027

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 project.

Efforts are made during the siting process to avoid or minimize impacts to floodplains and wetlands in accordance with Executive Orders 11988 and 11990. Floodplains and wetlands are shown on the referenced map. The map illustrates how the route avoids or impacts floodplains and wetlands. Because of project and topographic constraints and because of minimizing impacts to other social, environmental, and engineering resources, no practicable alternative may be available that would allow complete avoidance of impacts to floodplains and wetlands which may require mitigation for minimizing impacts. Also, best management practices would be utilized throughout the project to minimize adverse floodplain and wetland impacts. In compliance with Section 404 of the Clean Water Act, TVA will be coordinating wetland findings with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Contact

More information on this project can be obtained from:

Nathan Murrell
[email protected]
800-362-4355
1101 Market Street, MR 4G
Chattanooga, TN 37402-2801

Kentucky

New Liberty, Alabama (Cherokee and Calhoun Counties)

Update – October 2024

TVA has identified the preferred location for transmission improvements that would provide power for growing load and increase power reliability in Cherokee and Calhoun Counties in Alabama.    

TVA evaluated each route using social, engineering, and environmental factors.  Information sources included available data, aerial photography, limited onsite reviews, public review and comment, and property owner input.  Based on public input and evaluation, the preferred route is expected to have the least overall project impacts of the alternatives.

TVA’s proposed line would begin at Alabama Power Company’s Centre-Piedmont Transmission Line north of Forest Bend Road in south Cherokee County.  The line would then extend southwest for about 5.77 miles to Cherokee Electric’s New Liberty Substation to be located on the corner of New Liberty and Foster West Roads in Calhoun County.  Also, Alabama Power will install switches on the Centre-Piedmont Transmission Line.

The new line would be a single-circuit, 115-kilovolt operating (161-kilovolt designed) line built using primarily single-pole, steel structures centered on new 100-foot-wide right of way (with the possibility of 2-pole structures in hilly terrain).     

The preferred location for the new line was selected from several options presented at an open house in Piedmont, Alabama, June 27, 2024, and online at a virtual open house from June 27 through July 29, 2024.

Surveys of the right of way are scheduled to begin in summer 2025.

Easement purchases are scheduled to begin in spring 2026.

Construction is scheduled to begin in spring 2027.

The line is scheduled to be in service in fall 2027.

The National Environmental Policy Act review is pending. 

Background

TVA is considering improvements to its transmission system that would provide power for growing load and increase power reliability in the Cherokee and Calhoun County areas of Alabama.

Cherokee Electric currently rents equipment at Alabama Power’s Knightens Crossroads Substation in Piedmont, Alabama.  The substation was completed in the early 1950s and is quickly reaching its end of life.  Alabama Power has given notice to TVA and to Cherokee Electric of their need to rebuild or remove the substation soon.  If Alabama Power were to repair/rebuild the substation, the rent would increase substantially. 

As part of other construction work on their system, Cherokee Electric plans to replace transformers at their Jacksonville Substation.  Because of the issues with the Knightens Crossroads Substation, they would not have the ability to serve the electrical load during the outage of the Jacksonville Substation and therefore, would not be able to complete the transformer replacement work.

Due to the loss of the Knightens Crossroads Substation, their own aging equipment, and plans for their system, Cherokee Electric is proposing to build a substation.  The 115-kilovolt New Liberty Substation would be built on the corner of New Liberty Road and Foster West Road in Calhoun County.

TVA proposes to build about 5.5 to 5.8 miles of single-circuit, 161-kilovolt power line (to be operated at 115-kilovolt) to serve the new substation.  The proposed power line would begin at Alabama Power’s Centre-Piedmont 115-kV Line at a point north of Forest Bend Road in south Cherokee County.  Alabama Power will install switches on this line.  From that connection point, TVA’s new line would extend southwest to Cherokee Electric’s New Liberty Substation. 

The line would be built using primarily single-pole structures (with the possibility of 2‑pole, H‑frame structures in hilly areas) centered on new 100-foot-wide right of way.  TVA is considering five alternative routes consisting of nine alternative segments for the path of the new power line.

TVA will hold an open house on Thursday, June 27, 2024, to provide information, answer questions and receive comments about the proposed transmission project.  For those unable to attend the open house June 27, 2024, TVA is providing a virtual open house from June 27 through July 29, 2024, online at tvavirtual.com/newliberty.

The project is expected to be in service in fall 2027.  Construction is scheduled to begin in spring 2027.  (Dates are subject to change. Unexpected issues may arise, resulting in the need to adjust the schedule.)

Single Pole Circuit Double circuit transmission line

Public Involvement

TVA held an open house in Piedmont June 27, 2024, and a virtual open house online from June 27 through July 29, 2024, to present the project.  Within this 30-day comment period, property owners and members of the public were able to submit questions and comments online, in writing, or by telephone.

Map

The map shows the area of the proposed transmission improvements. The map is also available below as a PDF file.

If you have questions or need help understanding the map, please contact TVA (see below).

Preferred route of proposed transmission line (PDF)

Possible routes of proposed transmission line (PDF)

Project Schedule

(Dates are subject to change. Unexpected issues may arise, resulting in the need to adjust the schedule.)

Open House begins June 27, 2024
Comments accepted through July 29, 2024
Decision on the preferred route is expectedFall 2024
Surveys of the right of way are scheduled to beginSummer 2025
Easement purchases are scheduled to beginSpring 2026
Construction is scheduled to begin Spring 2027
Project in service Fall 2027

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 project.

Efforts are made during the siting process to avoid or minimize impacts to floodplains and wetlands in accordance with Executive Orders 11988 and 11990. Floodplains and wetlands are shown on the referenced map. The map illustrates how the route avoids or impacts floodplains and wetlands. Because of project and topographic constraints and because of minimizing impacts to other social, environmental, and engineering resources, no practicable alternative may be available that would allow complete avoidance of impacts to floodplains and wetlands which may require mitigation for minimizing impacts. Also, best management practices would be utilized throughout the project to minimize adverse floodplain and wetland impacts. In compliance with Section 404 of the Clean Water Act, TVA will be coordinating wetland findings with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Contact

More information on this project can be obtained from:

Nathan Murrell
[email protected]
800-362-4355
1101 Market Street, MR 4G
Chattanooga, TN 37402-2801

Mississippi

New Liberty, Alabama (Cherokee and Calhoun Counties)

Update – October 2024

TVA has identified the preferred location for transmission improvements that would provide power for growing load and increase power reliability in Cherokee and Calhoun Counties in Alabama.    

TVA evaluated each route using social, engineering, and environmental factors.  Information sources included available data, aerial photography, limited onsite reviews, public review and comment, and property owner input.  Based on public input and evaluation, the preferred route is expected to have the least overall project impacts of the alternatives.

TVA’s proposed line would begin at Alabama Power Company’s Centre-Piedmont Transmission Line north of Forest Bend Road in south Cherokee County.  The line would then extend southwest for about 5.77 miles to Cherokee Electric’s New Liberty Substation to be located on the corner of New Liberty and Foster West Roads in Calhoun County.  Also, Alabama Power will install switches on the Centre-Piedmont Transmission Line.

The new line would be a single-circuit, 115-kilovolt operating (161-kilovolt designed) line built using primarily single-pole, steel structures centered on new 100-foot-wide right of way (with the possibility of 2-pole structures in hilly terrain).     

The preferred location for the new line was selected from several options presented at an open house in Piedmont, Alabama, June 27, 2024, and online at a virtual open house from June 27 through July 29, 2024.

Surveys of the right of way are scheduled to begin in summer 2025.

Easement purchases are scheduled to begin in spring 2026.

Construction is scheduled to begin in spring 2027.

The line is scheduled to be in service in fall 2027.

The National Environmental Policy Act review is pending. 

Background

TVA is considering improvements to its transmission system that would provide power for growing load and increase power reliability in the Cherokee and Calhoun County areas of Alabama.

Cherokee Electric currently rents equipment at Alabama Power’s Knightens Crossroads Substation in Piedmont, Alabama.  The substation was completed in the early 1950s and is quickly reaching its end of life.  Alabama Power has given notice to TVA and to Cherokee Electric of their need to rebuild or remove the substation soon.  If Alabama Power were to repair/rebuild the substation, the rent would increase substantially. 

As part of other construction work on their system, Cherokee Electric plans to replace transformers at their Jacksonville Substation.  Because of the issues with the Knightens Crossroads Substation, they would not have the ability to serve the electrical load during the outage of the Jacksonville Substation and therefore, would not be able to complete the transformer replacement work.

Due to the loss of the Knightens Crossroads Substation, their own aging equipment, and plans for their system, Cherokee Electric is proposing to build a substation.  The 115-kilovolt New Liberty Substation would be built on the corner of New Liberty Road and Foster West Road in Calhoun County.

TVA proposes to build about 5.5 to 5.8 miles of single-circuit, 161-kilovolt power line (to be operated at 115-kilovolt) to serve the new substation.  The proposed power line would begin at Alabama Power’s Centre-Piedmont 115-kV Line at a point north of Forest Bend Road in south Cherokee County.  Alabama Power will install switches on this line.  From that connection point, TVA’s new line would extend southwest to Cherokee Electric’s New Liberty Substation. 

The line would be built using primarily single-pole structures (with the possibility of 2‑pole, H‑frame structures in hilly areas) centered on new 100-foot-wide right of way.  TVA is considering five alternative routes consisting of nine alternative segments for the path of the new power line.

TVA will hold an open house on Thursday, June 27, 2024, to provide information, answer questions and receive comments about the proposed transmission project.  For those unable to attend the open house June 27, 2024, TVA is providing a virtual open house from June 27 through July 29, 2024, online at tvavirtual.com/newliberty.

The project is expected to be in service in fall 2027.  Construction is scheduled to begin in spring 2027.  (Dates are subject to change. Unexpected issues may arise, resulting in the need to adjust the schedule.)

Single Pole Circuit Double circuit transmission line

Public Involvement

TVA held an open house in Piedmont June 27, 2024, and a virtual open house online from June 27 through July 29, 2024, to present the project.  Within this 30-day comment period, property owners and members of the public were able to submit questions and comments online, in writing, or by telephone.

Map

The map shows the area of the proposed transmission improvements. The map is also available below as a PDF file.

If you have questions or need help understanding the map, please contact TVA (see below).

Preferred route of proposed transmission line (PDF)

Possible routes of proposed transmission line (PDF)

Project Schedule

(Dates are subject to change. Unexpected issues may arise, resulting in the need to adjust the schedule.)

Open House begins June 27, 2024
Comments accepted through July 29, 2024
Decision on the preferred route is expectedFall 2024
Surveys of the right of way are scheduled to beginSummer 2025
Easement purchases are scheduled to beginSpring 2026
Construction is scheduled to begin Spring 2027
Project in service Fall 2027

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 project.

Efforts are made during the siting process to avoid or minimize impacts to floodplains and wetlands in accordance with Executive Orders 11988 and 11990. Floodplains and wetlands are shown on the referenced map. The map illustrates how the route avoids or impacts floodplains and wetlands. Because of project and topographic constraints and because of minimizing impacts to other social, environmental, and engineering resources, no practicable alternative may be available that would allow complete avoidance of impacts to floodplains and wetlands which may require mitigation for minimizing impacts. Also, best management practices would be utilized throughout the project to minimize adverse floodplain and wetland impacts. In compliance with Section 404 of the Clean Water Act, TVA will be coordinating wetland findings with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Contact

More information on this project can be obtained from:

Nathan Murrell
[email protected]
800-362-4355
1101 Market Street, MR 4G
Chattanooga, TN 37402-2801

North Carolina

New Liberty, Alabama (Cherokee and Calhoun Counties)

Update – October 2024

TVA has identified the preferred location for transmission improvements that would provide power for growing load and increase power reliability in Cherokee and Calhoun Counties in Alabama.    

TVA evaluated each route using social, engineering, and environmental factors.  Information sources included available data, aerial photography, limited onsite reviews, public review and comment, and property owner input.  Based on public input and evaluation, the preferred route is expected to have the least overall project impacts of the alternatives.

TVA’s proposed line would begin at Alabama Power Company’s Centre-Piedmont Transmission Line north of Forest Bend Road in south Cherokee County.  The line would then extend southwest for about 5.77 miles to Cherokee Electric’s New Liberty Substation to be located on the corner of New Liberty and Foster West Roads in Calhoun County.  Also, Alabama Power will install switches on the Centre-Piedmont Transmission Line.

The new line would be a single-circuit, 115-kilovolt operating (161-kilovolt designed) line built using primarily single-pole, steel structures centered on new 100-foot-wide right of way (with the possibility of 2-pole structures in hilly terrain).     

The preferred location for the new line was selected from several options presented at an open house in Piedmont, Alabama, June 27, 2024, and online at a virtual open house from June 27 through July 29, 2024.

Surveys of the right of way are scheduled to begin in summer 2025.

Easement purchases are scheduled to begin in spring 2026.

Construction is scheduled to begin in spring 2027.

The line is scheduled to be in service in fall 2027.

The National Environmental Policy Act review is pending. 

Background

TVA is considering improvements to its transmission system that would provide power for growing load and increase power reliability in the Cherokee and Calhoun County areas of Alabama.

Cherokee Electric currently rents equipment at Alabama Power’s Knightens Crossroads Substation in Piedmont, Alabama.  The substation was completed in the early 1950s and is quickly reaching its end of life.  Alabama Power has given notice to TVA and to Cherokee Electric of their need to rebuild or remove the substation soon.  If Alabama Power were to repair/rebuild the substation, the rent would increase substantially. 

As part of other construction work on their system, Cherokee Electric plans to replace transformers at their Jacksonville Substation.  Because of the issues with the Knightens Crossroads Substation, they would not have the ability to serve the electrical load during the outage of the Jacksonville Substation and therefore, would not be able to complete the transformer replacement work.

Due to the loss of the Knightens Crossroads Substation, their own aging equipment, and plans for their system, Cherokee Electric is proposing to build a substation.  The 115-kilovolt New Liberty Substation would be built on the corner of New Liberty Road and Foster West Road in Calhoun County.

TVA proposes to build about 5.5 to 5.8 miles of single-circuit, 161-kilovolt power line (to be operated at 115-kilovolt) to serve the new substation.  The proposed power line would begin at Alabama Power’s Centre-Piedmont 115-kV Line at a point north of Forest Bend Road in south Cherokee County.  Alabama Power will install switches on this line.  From that connection point, TVA’s new line would extend southwest to Cherokee Electric’s New Liberty Substation. 

The line would be built using primarily single-pole structures (with the possibility of 2‑pole, H‑frame structures in hilly areas) centered on new 100-foot-wide right of way.  TVA is considering five alternative routes consisting of nine alternative segments for the path of the new power line.

TVA will hold an open house on Thursday, June 27, 2024, to provide information, answer questions and receive comments about the proposed transmission project.  For those unable to attend the open house June 27, 2024, TVA is providing a virtual open house from June 27 through July 29, 2024, online at tvavirtual.com/newliberty.

The project is expected to be in service in fall 2027.  Construction is scheduled to begin in spring 2027.  (Dates are subject to change. Unexpected issues may arise, resulting in the need to adjust the schedule.)

Single Pole Circuit Double circuit transmission line

Public Involvement

TVA held an open house in Piedmont June 27, 2024, and a virtual open house online from June 27 through July 29, 2024, to present the project.  Within this 30-day comment period, property owners and members of the public were able to submit questions and comments online, in writing, or by telephone.

Map

The map shows the area of the proposed transmission improvements. The map is also available below as a PDF file.

If you have questions or need help understanding the map, please contact TVA (see below).

Preferred route of proposed transmission line (PDF)

Possible routes of proposed transmission line (PDF)

Project Schedule

(Dates are subject to change. Unexpected issues may arise, resulting in the need to adjust the schedule.)

Open House begins June 27, 2024
Comments accepted through July 29, 2024
Decision on the preferred route is expectedFall 2024
Surveys of the right of way are scheduled to beginSummer 2025
Easement purchases are scheduled to beginSpring 2026
Construction is scheduled to begin Spring 2027
Project in service Fall 2027

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 project.

Efforts are made during the siting process to avoid or minimize impacts to floodplains and wetlands in accordance with Executive Orders 11988 and 11990. Floodplains and wetlands are shown on the referenced map. The map illustrates how the route avoids or impacts floodplains and wetlands. Because of project and topographic constraints and because of minimizing impacts to other social, environmental, and engineering resources, no practicable alternative may be available that would allow complete avoidance of impacts to floodplains and wetlands which may require mitigation for minimizing impacts. Also, best management practices would be utilized throughout the project to minimize adverse floodplain and wetland impacts. In compliance with Section 404 of the Clean Water Act, TVA will be coordinating wetland findings with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Contact

More information on this project can be obtained from:

Nathan Murrell
[email protected]
800-362-4355
1101 Market Street, MR 4G
Chattanooga, TN 37402-2801

Tennessee

New Liberty, Alabama (Cherokee and Calhoun Counties)

Update – October 2024

TVA has identified the preferred location for transmission improvements that would provide power for growing load and increase power reliability in Cherokee and Calhoun Counties in Alabama.    

TVA evaluated each route using social, engineering, and environmental factors.  Information sources included available data, aerial photography, limited onsite reviews, public review and comment, and property owner input.  Based on public input and evaluation, the preferred route is expected to have the least overall project impacts of the alternatives.

TVA’s proposed line would begin at Alabama Power Company’s Centre-Piedmont Transmission Line north of Forest Bend Road in south Cherokee County.  The line would then extend southwest for about 5.77 miles to Cherokee Electric’s New Liberty Substation to be located on the corner of New Liberty and Foster West Roads in Calhoun County.  Also, Alabama Power will install switches on the Centre-Piedmont Transmission Line.

The new line would be a single-circuit, 115-kilovolt operating (161-kilovolt designed) line built using primarily single-pole, steel structures centered on new 100-foot-wide right of way (with the possibility of 2-pole structures in hilly terrain).     

The preferred location for the new line was selected from several options presented at an open house in Piedmont, Alabama, June 27, 2024, and online at a virtual open house from June 27 through July 29, 2024.

Surveys of the right of way are scheduled to begin in summer 2025.

Easement purchases are scheduled to begin in spring 2026.

Construction is scheduled to begin in spring 2027.

The line is scheduled to be in service in fall 2027.

The National Environmental Policy Act review is pending. 

Background

TVA is considering improvements to its transmission system that would provide power for growing load and increase power reliability in the Cherokee and Calhoun County areas of Alabama.

Cherokee Electric currently rents equipment at Alabama Power’s Knightens Crossroads Substation in Piedmont, Alabama.  The substation was completed in the early 1950s and is quickly reaching its end of life.  Alabama Power has given notice to TVA and to Cherokee Electric of their need to rebuild or remove the substation soon.  If Alabama Power were to repair/rebuild the substation, the rent would increase substantially. 

As part of other construction work on their system, Cherokee Electric plans to replace transformers at their Jacksonville Substation.  Because of the issues with the Knightens Crossroads Substation, they would not have the ability to serve the electrical load during the outage of the Jacksonville Substation and therefore, would not be able to complete the transformer replacement work.

Due to the loss of the Knightens Crossroads Substation, their own aging equipment, and plans for their system, Cherokee Electric is proposing to build a substation.  The 115-kilovolt New Liberty Substation would be built on the corner of New Liberty Road and Foster West Road in Calhoun County.

TVA proposes to build about 5.5 to 5.8 miles of single-circuit, 161-kilovolt power line (to be operated at 115-kilovolt) to serve the new substation.  The proposed power line would begin at Alabama Power’s Centre-Piedmont 115-kV Line at a point north of Forest Bend Road in south Cherokee County.  Alabama Power will install switches on this line.  From that connection point, TVA’s new line would extend southwest to Cherokee Electric’s New Liberty Substation. 

The line would be built using primarily single-pole structures (with the possibility of 2‑pole, H‑frame structures in hilly areas) centered on new 100-foot-wide right of way.  TVA is considering five alternative routes consisting of nine alternative segments for the path of the new power line.

TVA will hold an open house on Thursday, June 27, 2024, to provide information, answer questions and receive comments about the proposed transmission project.  For those unable to attend the open house June 27, 2024, TVA is providing a virtual open house from June 27 through July 29, 2024, online at tvavirtual.com/newliberty.

The project is expected to be in service in fall 2027.  Construction is scheduled to begin in spring 2027.  (Dates are subject to change. Unexpected issues may arise, resulting in the need to adjust the schedule.)

Single Pole Circuit Double circuit transmission line

Public Involvement

TVA held an open house in Piedmont June 27, 2024, and a virtual open house online from June 27 through July 29, 2024, to present the project.  Within this 30-day comment period, property owners and members of the public were able to submit questions and comments online, in writing, or by telephone.

Map

The map shows the area of the proposed transmission improvements. The map is also available below as a PDF file.

If you have questions or need help understanding the map, please contact TVA (see below).

Preferred route of proposed transmission line (PDF)

Possible routes of proposed transmission line (PDF)

Project Schedule

(Dates are subject to change. Unexpected issues may arise, resulting in the need to adjust the schedule.)

Open House begins June 27, 2024
Comments accepted through July 29, 2024
Decision on the preferred route is expectedFall 2024
Surveys of the right of way are scheduled to beginSummer 2025
Easement purchases are scheduled to beginSpring 2026
Construction is scheduled to begin Spring 2027
Project in service Fall 2027

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 project.

Efforts are made during the siting process to avoid or minimize impacts to floodplains and wetlands in accordance with Executive Orders 11988 and 11990. Floodplains and wetlands are shown on the referenced map. The map illustrates how the route avoids or impacts floodplains and wetlands. Because of project and topographic constraints and because of minimizing impacts to other social, environmental, and engineering resources, no practicable alternative may be available that would allow complete avoidance of impacts to floodplains and wetlands which may require mitigation for minimizing impacts. Also, best management practices would be utilized throughout the project to minimize adverse floodplain and wetland impacts. In compliance with Section 404 of the Clean Water Act, TVA will be coordinating wetland findings with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Contact

More information on this project can be obtained from:

Nathan Murrell
[email protected]
800-362-4355
1101 Market Street, MR 4G
Chattanooga, TN 37402-2801

Virginia

New Liberty, Alabama (Cherokee and Calhoun Counties)

Update – October 2024

TVA has identified the preferred location for transmission improvements that would provide power for growing load and increase power reliability in Cherokee and Calhoun Counties in Alabama.    

TVA evaluated each route using social, engineering, and environmental factors.  Information sources included available data, aerial photography, limited onsite reviews, public review and comment, and property owner input.  Based on public input and evaluation, the preferred route is expected to have the least overall project impacts of the alternatives.

TVA’s proposed line would begin at Alabama Power Company’s Centre-Piedmont Transmission Line north of Forest Bend Road in south Cherokee County.  The line would then extend southwest for about 5.77 miles to Cherokee Electric’s New Liberty Substation to be located on the corner of New Liberty and Foster West Roads in Calhoun County.  Also, Alabama Power will install switches on the Centre-Piedmont Transmission Line.

The new line would be a single-circuit, 115-kilovolt operating (161-kilovolt designed) line built using primarily single-pole, steel structures centered on new 100-foot-wide right of way (with the possibility of 2-pole structures in hilly terrain).     

The preferred location for the new line was selected from several options presented at an open house in Piedmont, Alabama, June 27, 2024, and online at a virtual open house from June 27 through July 29, 2024.

Surveys of the right of way are scheduled to begin in summer 2025.

Easement purchases are scheduled to begin in spring 2026.

Construction is scheduled to begin in spring 2027.

The line is scheduled to be in service in fall 2027.

The National Environmental Policy Act review is pending. 

Background

TVA is considering improvements to its transmission system that would provide power for growing load and increase power reliability in the Cherokee and Calhoun County areas of Alabama.

Cherokee Electric currently rents equipment at Alabama Power’s Knightens Crossroads Substation in Piedmont, Alabama.  The substation was completed in the early 1950s and is quickly reaching its end of life.  Alabama Power has given notice to TVA and to Cherokee Electric of their need to rebuild or remove the substation soon.  If Alabama Power were to repair/rebuild the substation, the rent would increase substantially. 

As part of other construction work on their system, Cherokee Electric plans to replace transformers at their Jacksonville Substation.  Because of the issues with the Knightens Crossroads Substation, they would not have the ability to serve the electrical load during the outage of the Jacksonville Substation and therefore, would not be able to complete the transformer replacement work.

Due to the loss of the Knightens Crossroads Substation, their own aging equipment, and plans for their system, Cherokee Electric is proposing to build a substation.  The 115-kilovolt New Liberty Substation would be built on the corner of New Liberty Road and Foster West Road in Calhoun County.

TVA proposes to build about 5.5 to 5.8 miles of single-circuit, 161-kilovolt power line (to be operated at 115-kilovolt) to serve the new substation.  The proposed power line would begin at Alabama Power’s Centre-Piedmont 115-kV Line at a point north of Forest Bend Road in south Cherokee County.  Alabama Power will install switches on this line.  From that connection point, TVA’s new line would extend southwest to Cherokee Electric’s New Liberty Substation. 

The line would be built using primarily single-pole structures (with the possibility of 2‑pole, H‑frame structures in hilly areas) centered on new 100-foot-wide right of way.  TVA is considering five alternative routes consisting of nine alternative segments for the path of the new power line.

TVA will hold an open house on Thursday, June 27, 2024, to provide information, answer questions and receive comments about the proposed transmission project.  For those unable to attend the open house June 27, 2024, TVA is providing a virtual open house from June 27 through July 29, 2024, online at tvavirtual.com/newliberty.

The project is expected to be in service in fall 2027.  Construction is scheduled to begin in spring 2027.  (Dates are subject to change. Unexpected issues may arise, resulting in the need to adjust the schedule.)

Single Pole Circuit Double circuit transmission line

Public Involvement

TVA held an open house in Piedmont June 27, 2024, and a virtual open house online from June 27 through July 29, 2024, to present the project.  Within this 30-day comment period, property owners and members of the public were able to submit questions and comments online, in writing, or by telephone.

Map

The map shows the area of the proposed transmission improvements. The map is also available below as a PDF file.

If you have questions or need help understanding the map, please contact TVA (see below).

Preferred route of proposed transmission line (PDF)

Possible routes of proposed transmission line (PDF)

Project Schedule

(Dates are subject to change. Unexpected issues may arise, resulting in the need to adjust the schedule.)

Open House begins June 27, 2024
Comments accepted through July 29, 2024
Decision on the preferred route is expectedFall 2024
Surveys of the right of way are scheduled to beginSummer 2025
Easement purchases are scheduled to beginSpring 2026
Construction is scheduled to begin Spring 2027
Project in service Fall 2027

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 project.

Efforts are made during the siting process to avoid or minimize impacts to floodplains and wetlands in accordance with Executive Orders 11988 and 11990. Floodplains and wetlands are shown on the referenced map. The map illustrates how the route avoids or impacts floodplains and wetlands. Because of project and topographic constraints and because of minimizing impacts to other social, environmental, and engineering resources, no practicable alternative may be available that would allow complete avoidance of impacts to floodplains and wetlands which may require mitigation for minimizing impacts. Also, best management practices would be utilized throughout the project to minimize adverse floodplain and wetland impacts. In compliance with Section 404 of the Clean Water Act, TVA will be coordinating wetland findings with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Contact

More information on this project can be obtained from:

Nathan Murrell
[email protected]
800-362-4355
1101 Market Street, MR 4G
Chattanooga, TN 37402-2801