Athens AreaImprovements Project
AEP Ohio representatives plan to upgrade the electric transmission network serving customers in Athens County.
The Athens Area Improvements Project involves:
- Building approximately 2-5* miles of 138-kilovolt (kV) power line.
- Upgrading approximately 4-6* miles of 69-kV power line to 138-kV power line.
- Retiring approximately 15 miles of transmission facilities.
- Upgrading Lee Substation located off Virginia Street in Albany and Elliott Substation located off Blackburn Road in Athens.
*Mileage depends on proposed final line route determination.
Installing an additional power line in the area enhances area reliability so that if one line experiences an outage, the other line can continue to serve customers. This operational flexibility reduces the number and duration of outages to area customers. Without these enhancements, the area's power demand could exceed the line's operational capacity and cause larger, sustained community power outages. Upgrading and retiring deteriorating equipment reduces the need for frequent power line maintenance.
Company representatives plan to evaluate study segments to build a power line and rebuild existing power lines. Study segments are multiple alternatives presented to determine a line route. Company representatives do not build all study segments, rather, they select one route to build based on public feedback and feasibility.
This project requires Ohio Power Siting Board (OPSB) approval.
Project Updates
Early 2025: The project team is currently evaluating the feedback received from the November 14th open house.
Company officials plan to host a second open house in the first half of 2025.
Project Releases
Timeline
Structures
The project involves the use of single steel poles.
Pole Height Range: 80-100 feet
Right-of-Way Width: 100 feet
*Exact structure types, height and right-of-way requirements may vary
Resources
Property Easements Virtual Open House Project Fact Sheet Project Map Access Roads Field ActivitiesAEP Ohio provides electricity to nearly 1.5 million customers.
AEP Ohio Outreach
614-933-2998
AEPOhio_Outreach@aep.com
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