BRISTOL, Tenn. – The Tennessee Valley Authority is asking for public input on transmission system upgrades to prepare for growth and increase power reliability in the Bristol, Tennessee, area. 

TVA proposes to invest up to $30 million to build power lines from the existing Sullivan 500-kilovolt and Bluff City 161-kilovolt substations extending northeast to Bristol Tennessee Essential Services’ proposed South Bristol substation between Weaver Pike and State Route 394.

TVA would build the new lines on steel, single and double-pole structures on existing and new 100-foot-wide right of way. To minimize impact, TVA will use existing rights of way to the greatest extent practical by paralleling existing TVA and BTES power lines and using the vacant side of an existing TVA line where possible. TVA may obtain additional right of way as necessary in these areas to maintain the 100-foot width for the new power lines or may use the vacant side of an existing line, which would require no new right of way.  

TVA encourages public input and invites stakeholders to attend the virtual open house from Jan. 14 through Feb. 16, 2021. Detailed maps showing the proposed transmission lines will be available and property owners will be able to ask questions and submit comments online. Click here for a link to attend the meeting.    

The public also may submit comments by contacting TVA’s Todd Liskey toll-free at 800-362-4355, by email at [email protected] or by mail to: Todd Liskey, Tennessee Valley Authority, 1101 Market St., MR 4G, Chattanooga, TN, 37402-2801. The deadline for comments is Feb. 16, 2021.

TVA is investing over $2 billion in transmission system improvements across the service area between 2021 and 2025 to build the energy grid of the future that will continue to provide, clean, low-cost, reliable power. For more information about TVA and its 87-year mission of service to the Tennessee Valley, click here.