Niles AreaTransmission Improvements Project: Niles North

Indiana Michigan Power representatives plan to upgrade the power grid in the Niles area by making improvements to the transmission infrastructure.

The Niles Area Transmission Improvements Project includes power line and substation improvements in several components. The Niles North component, located in Cass County, Michigan, involves:

• Expanding the existing 69-kilovolt (kV) Kenzie Creek Substation located on the corner of Thompson Road and White Street in Niles
• Rebuilding the 138-kV Pokagon Substation located off Barron Lake Road southwest of Cook Street
• Building approximately 1.5 miles of new 69-kV transmission line

The project strengthens the local transmission grid and improves electric reliability for area customers. Replacing or improving aging substation equipment reduces the likelihood of service interruptions.

Early 2025: Crews plan to begin clearing vegetation from the work area soon. Construction of the power lines begins summer 2025 and is expected to conclude by the end of the year, depending on weather and other factors.

I&M crews take every precaution during construction to ensure public safety, including minimizing traffic delays. Flaggers and other safety features are present during removals along public roads.

O.R. Colan Associates (ORC) continues to serve as I&M’s right-of-way representative on this project.