Stuart AreaImprovements Project

Appalachian Power plans to upgrade the power grid in Virginia by making improvements to the transmission infrastructure. The Stuart Area Improvements Project provides a new electrical source to the region and increases reliability to customers. Work for the project is expected to happen in phases over the next several years in Carroll, Floyd, Franklin, Henry and Patrick counties. Project components include:

Company officials submitted an application to the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC) in July 2023. The SCC approved the project in June 2024.

Project components include:

06/24/2024: On June 24, 2024, the company received Virginia SCC approval to move forward with the project. A right-of-way contractor representing Appalachian Power plans to contact landowners along the power line route to discuss next steps. The Stuart Area Improvements Project consists of several components for power line and substation upgrades in the coming years. Company representatives expect to begin construction in fall 2026 and conclude all components by winter 2031.

08/04/2023: The project team submitted an application to the Virginia State Corporation Commission, on July 20, 2023. If the SCC approves the project, Appalachian Power representatives will move forward with the project and landowners along the power line route will be contacted to discuss next steps.

The Application to the Virginia State Corporation Commission section below contains additional details.

06/23/2023: Appalachian Power representatives are preparing to file the project with the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC) to seek approval for the upgrades. Landowners in the project area will be notified via mail once the application is submitted.

09/29/2022: Appalachian Power representatives have determined a proposed power line route and plan to submit an application to the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC) in early 2023 seeking approval for the upgrades. Appalachian Power’s right-of-way team is committed to working with affected landowners throughout the easement acquisition and construction process.

01/31/2022: Appalachian Power representatives are still working to determine a proposed line route for the Stuart – Willis Gap Transmission Line Project. The project team is reviewing feedback from the open houses held last fall and is conducting field visits.

10/28/2021: Please click on this link to view a recording of a virtual town hall event that took place October 28 for the Stuart Area Improvements Project: Live Virtual Town Hall

10/06/2021: Appalachian Power invites community members and landowners in the project area to learn more at a pair of upcoming open houses.

• Wednesday, October 20, from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Stuart Rotary Field (Hooker Building), 420 Woodland Drive, Stuart, VA 24171
• Thursday, October 21, from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Ararat Ruritan Club, 4711 Ararat Highway, Ararat, VA 24053

News Release, July 25, 2024 (PDF)

News Release, August 17, 2023 (PDF)

Virginia State Corporation Commission Approval Process (PDF)

Appalachian Power representatives have received approval from the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC) to move forward with this project. You can review the case (Case Number PUR-2023-00024) and contact the Virginia State Corporation Commission on their website: www.scc.virginia.gov/pages/Case-Information. 

Stuart SCC Application Volume 1A (PDF)
Stuart SCC Application Volume 1B (PDF)
Stuart SCC Application Volume 2C (PDF)
Stuart SCC Application Volume 3D (PDF)
Stuart SCC Application Volume 3E (PDF)
Stuart SCC Application Volume 3F (PDF)

Stuart Area Improvements Overview Fact Sheet (PDF)
Stuart–Floyd Fact Sheet (PDF)
Stuart–Willis Gap Fact Sheet (PDF)
Stuart-Bassett Fact Sheet (PDF)