Tennessee Transmission Power Lines

Tennessee's electrical infrastructure serves as the backbone of the state's economic growth, industrial activity, and quality of life for its nearly seven million residents. Anchored by an extensive network of transmission lines, substations, and diverse generation assets, the system supports a dynamic energy landscape that balances legacy coal and nuclear facilities with expanding renewable resources.

Transmission Lines and Substations

The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) operates an extensive transmission network, comprising over 16,400 miles of transmission lines and 500 substations. This infrastructure ensures the reliable delivery of electricity across the state and the broader region. (TVA)​

Major Utilities

Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA): Established in 1933, TVA is the largest public power provider in the United States, serving over 10 million people across seven states. It generates electricity and manages the Tennessee River system for flood control, navigation, and recreation. (TVA)​

​Appalachian Power: a subsidiary of American Electric Power (AEP), Appalachian Power’s primary service area encompasses Kingsport and the four counties in the northeastern part of the state, serving over 48,000 customers. (AEP).

Electric Membership Corporation (EMC): members across the state are served by multiple EMCs including Volunteer, Southwest Tennessee, Upper Cumberland, Sequachee Valley, Middle Tennessee, and Brightridge Electric.

Power Generation Mix

​As of 2024, Tennessee's electricity generation mix reflects a diverse portfolio, with significant contributions from both traditional and renewable energy sources. The state's energy production is primarily managed by the TVA, which supplies power to approximately 10 million people across seven states.

• Nuclear Power: Approximately 48% of Tennessee's in-state electricity generation comes from nuclear energy. TVA operates two nuclear power plants within the state, Watts Bar and Sequoyah, and also receives nuclear-generated electricity from the Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant in Alabama. ​EIA

  
  

• Coal: Coal-fired power plants account for about 20% of the state's electricity generation. TVA has been gradually retiring its coal plants, with plans to shut down all remaining coal-fired facilities by 2035. ​

  
  

• Natural Gas: Natural gas contributes approximately 19% to Tennessee's electricity generation. The state's consumption of natural gas for electricity has nearly tripled over the past decade, reflecting a shift towards cleaner-burning fossil fuels. ​EIA

  
  

• Hydroelectric Power: Hydropower is a significant renewable resource in Tennessee, providing about 12% of the state's electricity. TVA operates 29 hydroelectric dams, including the Raccoon Mountain pumped-storage facility, which is the largest hydroelectric plant by capacity in the state. ​

  
  

• Solar Energy: Solar power contributes approximately 1.4% to Tennessee's electricity generation. By mid-2024, the state had about 601 megawatts of total solar power generating capacity, with most utility-scale solar photovoltaic facilities located in southwestern Tennessee. ​EIA

  
  

• Biomass: Biomass energy, derived from wood, wood waste, and landfill gas, accounts for about 0.6% of the state's electricity generation. Tennessee has five utility-scale biomass facilities contributing to this segment. ​

  
  

• Wind Energy: Wind power contributes less than 0.1% to Tennessee's electricity generation. The state's primary wind energy facility is located at Buffalo Mountain near Oliver Springs, comprising 15 wind turbines with a combined capacity of 27 megawatts. ​

Generation Outlook

TVA plans to invest nearly $16 billion through fiscal year 2027 to build additional generation capacity and enhance grid reliability. This includes the addition of approximately 5,500 MW of new firm, dispatchable generation by 2029 and up to 10,000 MW of solar energy by 2035. ​(TVA), (TVA)

Key Challenges and Initiatives

Tennessee faces challenges in improving energy efficiency and grid reliability. The state ranks 45th nationally in savings from energy efficiency programs and 46th in average duration of power interruptions. To address these issues, initiatives like the Regional Grid Transformation (RGT) are underway to modernize the grid. (Think Tennessee), (TVA)​

Tennessee's electrical infrastructure is at a pivotal juncture, with significant investments and strategic decisions shaping its future trajectory. The state's approach to balancing growth, sustainability, and technological advancement will be instrumental in meeting its energy needs.​

Sources: American Electric Power, U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), Tennessee Valley Authority, Think Tennessee. 

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