Niles AreaTransmission Improvements Project: Niles North
Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) representatives plan to upgrade the power grid in the Niles area by improving the transmission infrastructure.
The Niles Area Transmission Improvements Project includes 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 Pokagon Substation located off Barron Lake Road southwest of Cook Street.
- Building about 1.5 miles of new 69-kV transmission line.
- Rebuilding about 1 mile of 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.
Project Updates
Early 2026: All components of this project are in service. Restoration is underway and scheduled to complete in the spring.
O.R. Colan Associates (ORC) continues to serve as I&M’s right-of-way representative on this project.
Timeline
Timeline
Structures
Structures
Plans call for the new line to be built using mostly single steel poles.
Structure Height: Approximately 85-95 feet
Right-of-Way Width: Approximately 65 feet
*Exact structure, height, and right-of-way requirements may vary.
Resources
Property Easements Project Map Access Roads Field Activities
Indiana Michigan Power serves 575,000 customers in Indiana and Michigan.
I&M Outreach Team
833-441-2260
IM_Outreach@aep.com