Alabama Transmission Power Lines

Alabama's electrical infrastructure is a dynamic and multifaceted system, designed to meet the energy demands of its residents and industries. This overview provides insights into the state's transmission lines, major utilities, utility merger history, power generation mix, future outlook, and key challenges and initiatives.

Transmission Power Lines & Substations

Alabama's transmission network is extensive, with Alabama Power operating approximately 11,000 miles of transmission lines and 70,000 miles of overhead distribution lines across a 44,500 square mile territory. This infrastructure ensures the reliable delivery of electricity throughout the state.

Alabama Power has nearly 800 automated distribution substations and 9,000 distribution line devices online. These automated substations are part of the company's efforts to modernize the grid and improve reliability (T&D World).

Major Alabama Utilities

• Alabama Power: Founded in 1906, Alabama Power is the largest utility in the state and a subsidiary of Southern Company. It serves approximately 1.5 million customers in the southern two-thirds of Alabama. Alabama Power became a subsidiary of Southern Company in 1949, following the dissolution of the Commonwealth & Southern Corporation. This merger integrated Alabama Power with other utilities like Georgia Power and Mississippi Power under the Southern Company umbrella ​(al.com, Encyclopedia of AL).

• PowerSouth Energy Cooperative: Headquartered in Andalusia, PowerSouth provides wholesale power to 16 electric distribution cooperatives and four municipal systems in Alabama and northwest Florida. It operates the nation's only compressed-air energy storage system in McIntosh, Alabama. (Wikipedia, EIA).

• Tennessee Valley Authority: A federally owned electric utility, TVA serves northern Alabama, providing electricity to local power companies and large industrial customers. TVA is the largest public utility in the United States (ABC News).

Alabama Power Generation Mix

Alabama’s power generation portfolio is diverse, incorporating various energy sources (EIA):

Future Generation Outlook

Alabama Power has been transitioning its energy portfolio by converting nine coal plants to natural gas and planning the construction of new solar projects. As of 2023, six coal units remain operational out of the 23 that were active in 2010 (Alabama Power). ​

Key Challenges and Initiatives

• Alabama faces challenges in expanding its renewable energy capacity. As of mid- 2024, renewable energy accounted for about 11% of the state's utility-based generation, with hydroelectric power comprising approximately 70% of this figure (Alabama Reflector). Utility-scale solar power makes up 634 megawatts of installed generating capacity in this time period (EIA).

• To enhance grid reliability and efficiency, Alabama Power has implemented predictive power mapping and condition-based vegetation management systems. These initiatives aim to modernize the grid and improve service delivery (EE Power).

  
  

Alabama's electrical infrastructure continues to evolve, balancing traditional energy sources with emerging technologies to meet the state's growing energy needs.

Sources: Alabama Power, Alabama Reflector, al.com, ABC News, Encyclopedia of AL, EE Power, U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), T&D World, Wikipedia. 

Published by Line Reference. Visit linereference.com to view Alabama transmission lines and substation power infrastructure.