New Liberty - East Leipsic 138-kV Upgrade Project

This project involves:

Upgrading about 20 miles of 34.5-kilovolt (kV) transmission line to 138-kV standards
Replacing aging wooden poles with single steel poles and new wire
Retiring the McComb Substation and building Rader Road Substation on the same property
Expanding East Leipsic Substation

The project strengthens the local electric system by replacing infrastructure that has shown significant deterioration resulting in service interruptions. Upgrading the power line voltage ensures the transmission network supports additional electric load growth in the area. A stronger transmission grid also benefits local distribution companies and electric cooperatives who receive power from the transmission lines.

Company representatives plan to rebuild a majority of the power line in or near the existing right-of-way, which may require acquiring new or updating existing property easements. Route options are being evaluated in a few areas.

*This project requires Ohio Power Siting Board (OPSB) approval.

Project Updates

Early 2024: Contract Land Staff (CLS) serves as AEP Ohio’s right-of-way representative on this project. Landowners along the proposed route can expect to hear from a CLS right-of-way agent to discuss upcoming field activities and easements. The utility needs to acquire easements for an approximate 100-foot right-of-way corridor to ensure the safe construction, operation and maintenance of the power line.

Winter 2023: The Ohio Power and Siting Board received the project application.

Fall 2023: The Ohio Power and Siting Board approved the application and preferred line route.

Spring 2023: The project has been filed and accepted as complete by the Ohio Power and Siting Board (OPSB). Company representatives anticipate the announcement of public hearing dates in spring 2023.

For more information from the OPSB, please click here.

Project Application