Hartford AreaImprovements Project

Indiana Michigan Power representatives plan power grid upgrades to improve electric reliability for customers in Berrien and Van Buren counties in Michigan.

The Hartford Area Improvements Project involves:

• Rebuilding approximately 15 miles of 138-kilovolt (kV) transmission line between Benton Harbor and Hartford
• Rebuilding approximately 18 miles of 69-kV transmission line between Hartford, Bangor and South Haven
• Upgrading equipment at Bangor Substation off West Arlington Street

The project strengthens the electric transmission system by replacing deteriorating wooden poles from the 1950s with modern steel poles. The existing transmission line has experienced more than 20 outages since 2015 and requires frequent maintenance in its current condition. The project improves the line’s operational performance, reduces the likelihood of extended power outages and enhances electric reliability for area customers.

Company officials expect construction to begin in spring 2023 and conclude in late 2024.

Spring 2022:

• I&M announces the Hartford Area Improvements Project
• Field activities and surveys are planned to start in spring and continue through fall
• 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. ORC agents will work with landowners to discuss field activities, easements and construction activities.