Garrett AreaTransmission Project


Kentucky Power officials plan to upgrade the electric transmission grid in Floyd and Knott counties.

The project involves:

  • Building about 15 miles of 138-kV transmission line
  • Building the Eastern Substation
  • Expanding the Garrett Substation
  • Making upgrades at the Hays Branch, Saltlick and Soft Shell substations

This project allows crews to retire approximately 25 miles of transmission line that includes deteriorating wooden poles from the 1920s and 1940s. The existing line has experienced multiple power outages in recent years.

Project Updates

July 2024: Crews plan to begin tree clearing and access road construction between Garrett and Softshell substations in August. For more information about construction and the project schedule, see the Construction FAQ.

September 2023: Right-of-way agents are currently working with impacted landowners. Construction is expected to begin in spring 2024. Construction from Softshell Substation to Garrett Substation is expected to be complete in late 2024. Construction from Garrett Substation to Hays Branch Substation is expected to be complete by late 2025.

August 2023: Right-of-way agents from Emerald Energy continue to work with impacted landowners. Construction activities are expected to begin in early 2024 and conclude by late 2025.

March 2022: On March 8, 2022, the company received PSC approval to move forward with the project. The project involves building approximately 15 miles of 138-kilovolt (kV) electric transmission line, building an electrical substation and improving several substations.

Emerald Energy, the right-of-way contractor representing Kentucky Power, plans to contact landowners along the power line route to discuss next steps. Company representatives expect to begin construction in the summer of 2023 and conclude by the end of 2024.

June 2021: Kentucky Power representatives have determined a proposed power line route to build the line and plan to submit an application to the Kentucky Public Service Commission (PSC) in September seeking approval for the project. The project team plans to acquire new easement rights for the approximate 15 miles of 138-kilovolt transmission line. The project team determined the proposed route after reviewing future land use, environmental impacts and input gathered through landowner feedback, virtual community open houses, and landowner meetings.

April 2021: Please click on this link to view a recording of a virtual town hall event that took place April 1 for the Garrett Area Transmission Line Project: Garrett Area Live Virtual Town Hall

March 2021: Kentucky Power representatives announced the Garrett Area Transmission Line Project. We invite you to review this website and enter our virtual open house to learn more and share your input, particularly on possible route options for the 15 miles of new power line. The virtual open house complies with physical distancing recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention during COVID-19. Share feedback using the red "Submit a Comment" button on the interactive map above (please use Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, Firefox, or Safari internet browsers for the best user experience), or share comments and questions through the contact form at the bottom of this page. Please share your input by Monday, April 19.

Project Releases

Timeline

Project Timeline

Structures

Structure

Crews plan to build the transmission line using a combination of structures such as steel H-frame poles, lattice towers and three-pole structures.

Structure Height: Approximately 85 feet*
Right-of-Way Width: Approximately 100 feet*

At Kentucky Power, we are committed to meeting the energy needs of customers while protecting the environment and natural beauty of the region.

*Exact structure, height and right-of-way may vary

Project Maps

Please note that these maps are preliminary and do not reflect any final power line route decisions.

OVERVIEW MAP

Step 1: Below is an Overview Map that displays the entire project area. Please use the Overview Map to find the general location of your property.

DETAILED MAPS

Step 2: Each outlined area on the Overview Map represents a single, numbered Map Page that shows that section in greater detail. Visit the appropriate Map Page below for your area.

Resources

Submit A Comment Property Easements Virtual Open House Project Fact Sheet Access Roads Field Activities

Kentucky Power serves approximately 163,000 customers in eastern Kentucky.

www.KentuckyPower.com

Nicole Hodges

Project Outreach Specialist
833-313-3743
kentuckypoweroutreach@AEP.COM

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