Eastern Melita Area Improvements Project

Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) representatives plan power grid upgrades to improve electric reliability for customers in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

The Eastern Melita Area Improvements Project involves:

• Building about 3 miles of 69-kilovolt (kV) power line.
• Rebuilding about 3 miles of 69-kV power line.
• Upgrading 6 substations to meet 69-kV capable reliability standards.
• Removing about 5 miles of transmission lines.

The existing transmission lines in the area consist of deteriorating wooden poles from the 1970s. Reconfiguring the electric transmission network in Fort Wayne provides a more reliable flow of electricity, improves operational performance and reduces the need for frequent equipment repairs.

All 34-kV lines and stations will be upgraded to 69-kV Reliable Power Standards.

Spring 2026: I&M representatives announced the final line route for Eastern Melita Area Improvement Project on July 24, 2026, with letters and information sent to impacted area landowners.

The company proposed study segments in the spring and hosted an open house in on March 19, 2026. 

Landowners along the final route can expect to hear about next steps from Michiana Land Services, Inc. (MLS), the right-of-way representatives for this project.