Booneville - BranchTransmission Improvements Project

The Booneville - Branch Transmission Improvements Project involves rebuilding and upgrading an existing 12-mile, 69-kilovolt (kV) power line with a 161-kV transmission line.

The project:

• Replaces deteriorating wooden poles with modern steel poles
• Strengthens the system against sever weather
• Decreases the likelihood and duration of wide, community-sustained outages
• Provides additional power capacity to accommodate regional growth

Summer 2023: Volkert, Inc., serves as SWEPCO’s right-of-way representative on this project. Volkert right-of-way agents continue to talk to affected landowners along the power line route to discuss necessary field activities, necessary easements and construction access.

SWEPCO representatives plan to start pre-construction activities in late 2023 and continue into early 2024. These activities may include:

• Removing woody-stemmed vegetation from the right-of-way (November 2023)
• Installing temporary gates, fencing and access roads (Early 2024)
• Installing culverts for water management (Early 2024)

Crews plan to start rebuilding the Booneville - Branch transmission line in early 2024 immediately following the installation of gates and culverts. SWEPCO representatives expect construction on this section to conclude in spring 2024.

Fall 2022: The Arkansas Public Service Commission approved SWEPCO's application for a Certificate of Environmental Compatibility and Public Need (CECPN) on Oct. 13, 2022.

Spring 2022: SWEPCO officials plan to submit a Certificate of Environmental Compatibility and Public Need (CECPN) application with the Arkansas Public Service Commission for approval as part of this project in Spring 2022.