Marion - Hartford CityTransmission Line Project

Indiana Michigan Power representatives plan power grid upgrades to improve electric reliability for customers in Grant and Blackford counties.

The Marion-Hartford City Transmission Line Project involves:

• Updating approximately 18 miles of 69-kilovolt power line between Deer Creek Substation in southeastern Marion and Hartford City Substation in Hartford City
• Upgrading Deer Creek Substation off South Lincoln Boulevard
• Upgrading Hummel Creek Substation 3 miles northeast of Marion off North Huntington Road
• Retiring Gas City Substation near the intersection of North Broadway Street and West Main Street in Gas City

The project strengthens the electric transmission system by replacing deteriorating wooden poles from the 1960s with modern steel poles. The existing transmission line has experienced more than 10 outages since 2015. The upgrade improves the line's operational performance, reduces the likelihood of extended power outages and the need for frequent equipment repairs.

Company officials expect construction to begin in Fall 2022 and conclude in Early 2025

OR Colan(ORC) serves as I&M's right-of-way representative on this project. Landowners can expect to hear from a right-of-way agent in the coming months. Company representatives need to supplement or acquire new easements for an approximate 60-foot right-of-way for the transmission line. Easements are defined land rights that property owners grant the utility to allow for the safe construction, operation and maintenance of the power line.