Public invited to comment at Jan. 30 meet
Blue Ridge has reached its power capacity and Epworth is close to capacity according to the area’s power experts.
Tri-State Electric Membership Corporation (Tri-State EMC) and Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) representatives say the Blue Ridge 69-kilovolt Station has exceeded its capacity and the Epworth 69-kilovolt Station is approaching capacity. According to the TVA, the new educational facility (University of North Georgia) will be run off of the already overloaded Blue Ridge station, so additional capacity is needed to resolve any issues. Tri-State EMC General Manager Stacy Chastain said other development around the college, around Walmart, on Highway 5 and downtown all warrant the increased power capacity. “We’ve experienced a tremendous amount of growth in the downtown business area and even the area surrounding Blue Ridge. Obviously, it’s becoming popular. The growth is not typical of what we’ve seen in the past,” said Chastain.
Tri-State EMC plans to build the Scenic Drive 161-kilovolt Station to resolve capacity issues and improve reliability. To that end, TVA proposes to build four to five miles of 161-kilovolt power line to serve the new station. Tri-State will build and pay for the new station while TVA will build and pay for the new transmission lines.
Representatives say the proposed power line would begin at the “TVA’s Basin-Toccoa River 161-kilovolt Transmission Line and extend southwest to Tri-State EMC’s new station to be located near 2700 Scenic Drive.”
Three possible “tap points” and 11 alternative line segments are under consideration for the new line. The line would be built, according to experts, using a combination of single-pole and H-frame, steel structures centered on a new 100-foot-wide right of way.
There are three options where the line could start. Two are in the area of Douthit Road and the third option is in the area of Hogback Drive, according to Chastain. As to the potential route, Chastain said, “I get it. Nobody wants to have a power line running through their property. ... But, it’s one of those necessary evils. If an area is going to grow, utility infrastructure has to grow as well.”
The new Scenic Road station, will be in this little plot tucked behind Walmart. “It’s the absolute perfect location,” Chastain said. The location there is conveniently located to much of the upcoming or potential development in the area, he said. The substation will be financed over at least 30 years with low interest loans through the Rural Utility Service and, according to Chastain, the increased growth will help offset the additional debt services. Tri-State doesn’t anticipate an immediate rate increase.
The transmission line project is expected to be in service in spring 2022 with construction beginning in the winter of 2021, but is subject to change due to a wide range of factors.
The public is encouraged to attend an open house Thursday, January 30, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Fannin County Senior Center located at 440 West First St. in Blue Ridge. “It’s a good way for TVA to gain a lot of knowledge,” said Chastain. Community members may ask questions, express concerns and review information and maps on the project. Folks who can’t make the open house can contact Rob Nidiffer by calling 800-362-4355 or emailing newtransline@tva.gov. Representatives say all written comments must be sent to the TVA no later than March 2.