AEP Ohio plans to strengthen the electric transmission system in Defiance County.
The Sowers-Lockwood Transmission Line Rebuild Project involves rebuilding about 15 miles of 138-kilovolt transmission line. Company representatives plan to rebuild the power line in the existing right-of-way, obtaining new or updating existing property easements. Easements are defined land rights that property owners grant to allow for the safe construction, operation, and maintenance of the power line.
The existing power line consists of nearly 60-year-old wooden poles and damaged equipment. Upgrading the line with modern facilities helps improve operational performance, reduce the likelihood of extended power outages and speed up the outage recovery process in the event of an outage.
This project requires Ohio Power Siting Board (OPSB) approval.
Fall 2025: AEP Ohio representatives announce the Sowers-Lockwood Transmission Line Rebuild Project.
Crews plan to conduct field surveys beginning this fall and continuing through Spring 2027. Survey crews plan to use existing roads or lands, whenever possible, to access the power line. AEP Ohio employees and contractors wear hard hats and high-visibility vests, carry an ID badge and clearly display identification on vehicle dashboards.
Property owners along the power line route will be contacted by O.R. Colan (ORC), the right-of-way vendor representing AEP Ohio for this project. If you want to reach out to a right-of-way agent with immediate questions, please contact Andy Bell with ORC at 419-631-4399 or abell@orcolan.com
The project involves the use of steel, single poles and H-frame structures.
Typical Pole Height: Approximately 95 feet*
Typical Right-of-Way Width: Approximately 100 feet*
*Exact structure types, height and right-of-way may vary
AEP Ohio provides electricity to nearly 1.5 million customers.
Project Outreach Specialist
614-933-2998
brecker@aep.com
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