Appalachian Power officials plan to upgrade the local power grid.
The Stuart - Willis Gap Transmission Line Project involves:
Retiring aging equipment, installing modern equipment and upgrading facilities reduces the need for frequent equipment maintenance and improves electric service reliability. Installing the additional power source ensures continued electric service to customers if the existing transmission line experiences an extended power outage.
Please review the information on this website to learn more about the project.
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.
To view the application, please visit AppalachianPower.com/Stuart.
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.
10/06/2021: Appalachian Power invites community members and landowners in the project area to learn more at a pair of upcoming open houses.
Both open houses will provide an opportunity for residents to meet and talk with project representatives. Residents may join the four-hour meeting at any time and at a location that is most convenient to them. There is no formal presentation at either open house.
Wednesday, October 20, from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Stuart Rotary Field, 420 Woodland Drive (Hooker Building), 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
Project team members plan to wear face coverings at the in-person open houses and encourage those who plan to attend the in-person events to also wear face coverings. For the safety of the community and the project team, those who are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or are feeling unwell please consider attending one of the virtual town halls to learn more about the project.
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We also plan to host two live virtual town hall events featuring a presentation from the Appalachian Power project team, followed by a Q&A session:
Thursday, October 28, 2021 from noon – 1 p.m.
If joining by phone, dial 1-415-655-0001 and enter the following access code when prompted: 2438 072 6918
If joining online, visit AppalachianPower.com/StuartTownHall1, Event password: Stuart
Thursday, October 28, 2021 from 5 – 6 p.m.
If joining by phone, dial 1-415-655-0001 and enter the following access code when prompted: 2436 288 2978
If joining online, visit AppalachianPower.com/ StuartTownHall2, Event password: Stuart
News Release, July 25, 2024 (PDF)
News Release, August 17, 2023 (PDF)
Project Map (PDF)
Plans call for the new line to be built using mostly H-frame structures. At select points, steel lattice towers, single-pole, and three-pole structures with guy wires may be installed to meet engineering needs.
Typical Structure Height: 80 feet*
Right-of-Way Width: 100 feet*
*Exact structure, height and right-of-way requirements may vary
Substations serve as electrical intersections directing the flow of electricity and either decrease or increase voltage levels for transport. Substations transform 69-kV and 138-kV electricity into lower distribution level voltages such as 34.5-kV, 12-kV, or 7.2-kV.
*Substation shown is a general depiction of the proposed facility that will be built for this project. It does not represent final design.
Appalachian Power serves approximately 1 million customers in West Virginia, Virginia and Tennessee.
Project Outreach Specialist, Sr.
833-760-0604
camustard@aep.com
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