Through innovative technologies, KUB is creating a smart, self-healing grid that avoids and shortens customer outages through its grid modernization initiative. 

Fiber & Smart Switches 

KUB's electric system is equipped with advanced metering infrastructure, and fiber technology is being installed across its service territory. Following fiber installation are smart switches that automatically reroute power around line breaks or other equipment damage. When smart switches are installed across all of KUB's service territory in Fiscal Year 2030 (FY30), KUB's grid will be optimized so that no more than 300 customers are impacted by a single distribution outage.

Energy Storage

KUB will soon begin adding energy storage to its electric system to improve electric service for its customers.

KUB plans to add 20 megawatts of energy storage across its electric system over the next 10 years, with a total projected annual cost savings of $1.8 million for KUB customers through advanced energy demand management that lowers the cost of purchasing electricity from TVA. KUB will be able to store energy during periods of lower demand and distribute that energy to serve customers during periods of high demand when power purchase costs are higher.

Energy storage creates a more stable and resilient electric system by allowing KUB to power homes and businesses and avoid service interruptions when TVA’s system is under stress in extreme weather events or other emergencies. KUB's first energy storage site at KUB's Dry Gap Substation will have a 4-megawatt capacity and could power up to 570 homes for two hours or up to 285 homes for four hours. The Dry Gap energy storage site will be energized by summer 2026.

Voltage Optimization 

KUB is also working to reduce its demand through voltage optimization. Demand voltage response technology is being added to transformers across KUB's service territory, with full implementation expected by FY31.