KNOXVILLE ― Jeffery Phillips, a senior design engineer for TVA’s power transmission system, was honored recently as the Tennessee Valley Authority’s Ike Zeringue Engineer of the Year.

Phillips has been employed by TVA for 14 years and has been a lead engineer for new delivery points, power line uprates, modifications for highway improvements and storm restoration projects. Over the past three years, he has engineered 28 projects worth $39 million and covering 170 miles of line design.

“Jeff has experienced a variety of design challenges that have been overcome by his innovative thinking, engineering knowledge, judgment and effective communications with others,” TVA President and CEO Bill Johnson said.

“He is a credit to our outstanding workforce, dedicated to improving the quality of life in the Tennessee Valley and continuing our record of 99.999 percent reliability since 2000.”

Phillips engineered the world’s first 500-kilovolt transmission line using a new aluminum conductor composite reinforced cable, which saved TVA $851,000. He also coordinated a valley-wide switch training, repair and inventory program that realized $267,000 in savings through salvage and reuse of switch parts.

TVA’s highest honor for an engineer is named for O.J. “Ike” Zeringue, a former TVA president and chief operating officer, and chief nuclear officer. As the TVA recipient, Phillips is eligible for Federal Engineer of the Year, which will be announced Feb. 26 in Washington, D.C.

Phillips holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and membership in the American Society of Civil Engineers and the National Society of Professional Engineers. A former Marine, he also is member of the TVA Veterans Association.

Phillips lives in Sequatchie, Tenn., with his wife, Tammy, and two children.