Albion and Tri-LakesTransmission Improvements Project

Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) representatives plan power grid upgrades to improve electric reliability for customers in Noble and Whitley counties.

The Albion and Tri-Lakes Improvements Project involves:

• Rebuilding about 10 miles of 138-kilovolt (kV) transmission line between Kendallville and Albion.
• Rebuilding about 5 miles of 138-kV transmission line between Albion and Wolf Lake.
• Rebuilding approximately 9 miles of 138-kV transmission line between Tri-Lakes and Larwill.
• Replacing substation equipment at the Albion and Kendallville substations.

The existing transmission lines include wooden poles and H-frame structures that date back to the 1950s. The power lines are deteriorating and have experienced more than 35 service interruptions since 2015. Rebuilding the power lines with modern steel poles and H-frame structures strengthens the line against weather impacts, reduces frequent maintenance and improves performance.

Crews plan to rebuild most of the power line in or near the existing right-of-way, which may require acquiring new or updating existing property easements. Easements are defined land rights that property owners grant the utility to allow for the safe construction, operation and maintenance of the power line.

Fall 2025:

• I&M representatives continue to work on the design and engineering of this upgrade to the power grid. As a result, the project timeline has shifted.

• Officials now expect station construction to begin fall 2026 and transmission line construction to begin fall 2027. 

  If you have immediate questions or concerns regarding field activities and easement acquisition prior to construction, please contact OR Colan (ORC), the right-of-way agency representing I&M on this project. 

  Landowners can expect to hear from a right-of-way agent to discuss field activities, construction and restoration.