Bristol, Tennessee, October 8, 2025
News Summary
Bristol Tennessee Essential Services (BTES) and the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) celebrated the completion of the South Bristol substation with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The substation enhances power capacity in response to growing demand from industrial and residential developments in the region. Initial planning began nearly a decade ago, showcasing a long-term investment in infrastructure. This development supports the area’s economic growth and enhances reliability for over 34,000 BTES customers, promoting collaboration between local leaders and TVA.
Bristol, Tennessee – Bristol Tennessee Essential Services (BTES) and the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) recently marked a significant milestone with the completion of the new South Bristol substation on State Route 394 in Bristol, Tennessee. The culmination of this project was celebrated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by local leaders, TVA officials, and BTES employees.
BTES CEO Clayton Dowell emphasized the importance of the new substation, describing it as a critical investment that represents a shining example of collaboration between BTES and TVA. The substation is strategically designed to provide additional capacity to meet the increasing demand for power in the region, particularly in light of new industrial and residential developments emerging in south Bristol.
Planning for the South Bristol substation began almost a decade ago, with initial discussions kicking off in 2016. The substation is ideally located near the Bristol Business Park and Partnership Park II, locations that support ongoing industrial and economic growth. It will enhance the stability and capability of the BTES electric system by joining two existing 161 kV delivery points located in Bluff City and Blountville.
Dowell indicated that the substation is intended to stay ahead of demand growth driven by new homes, businesses, and industries in the area. To facilitate the new substation and enhance system reliability, TVA constructed over 14 miles of new transmission power lines. This infrastructure investment aims to improve the overall reliability of power delivery across the region.
BTES and TVA have collaborated since 1945 to provide affordable and reliable power to Bristol, Bluff City, and parts of Sullivan and Washington counties. Currently, BTES serves over 34,000 customers in the region. Chari Buckner, TVA’s director of customer relations, acknowledged that the project signifies a commitment from both organizations toward supporting economic development within the Tennessee Valley.
Moreover, Buckner noted that TVA is actively working on augmenting thousands of megawatts of new generation capacity and investing significantly in transmission infrastructure across its service area. Bristol’s Mayor Vince Turner highlighted that the new substation enhances the city’s overall attractiveness to new employers while also strengthening existing services.
Sullivan County Mayor Richard Venable expressed support for the collaboration between BTES, TVA, and local governments involved in this major development. The South Bristol Substation is conveniently positioned across the highway from the new A.Y. McDonald facility, which is presently under construction, further indicating the area’s economic growth potential.
In summary, the South Bristol Substation stands as one of the largest delivery points for TVA and local power companies in East Tennessee, which aims to provide reliability and support future growth in service capabilities as Bristol continues to thrive.
Key Features of the South Bristol Substation
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | State Route 394, Bristol, Tennessee |
| Capacity Enhancement | Designed to meet growing power demands in the region |
| Client Served | More than 34,000 customers |
| Construction Period | Planning commenced nearly a decade ago, discussions started in 2016 |
| Transmission Lines | 14 miles of new transmission power lines constructed |
| Major Nearby Facilities | Located near Bristol Business Park and across from A.Y. McDonald facility |
| Collaboration | Partnership of BTES and TVA since 1945 |
FAQ
What is the South Bristol Substation?
The South Bristol Substation is a new facility designed to provide additional capacity to meet the growing demand for power in Bristol, Tennessee.
When did planning for the substation begin?
Planning for the substation commenced nearly a decade ago, with initial discussions starting in 2016.
Who are the key organizations involved in the substation project?
The key organizations involved are Bristol Tennessee Essential Services (BTES) and the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA).
How many customers does BTES currently serve?
BTES currently serves more than 34,000 customers in the region.
Why is the substation important for economic growth?
The substation enhances the city’s attractiveness to new employers and supports ongoing industrial and residential developments.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- SuperTalk 929
- Wikipedia: Bristol
- Bristol Herald Courier
- Google Search: Bristol Substation
- The Lincoln County News
- Google Scholar: Solar Farms Bristol
- New Santa Ana
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Residential Development
- Levittown Now
- Google News: Severe Thunderstorms
Author: STAFF HERE BRISTOL WRITTER
The BRISTOL STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBristol.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bristol, Sullivan County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, NASCAR races at Bristol Motor Speedway, Border Bash concert series, and the Hot Bristol Night Car Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bristol Chamber of Commerce, Believe in Bristol, and the Birthplace of Country Music, plus leading businesses in healthcare, manufacturing, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Ballad Health, Strongwell, and Bristol Motor Speedway. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
