Appalachian Power and its affiliate, AEP West Virginia Transmission Co., plan to improve the power grid in southern West Virginia by replacing aging infrastructure with modern technology.
The Becco - Kopperston Transmission Line Project includes rebuilding approximately 13 miles of existing transmission line, 3 miles of new transmission line, replacing about a mile of wire to improve communication between substations, and building a new substation. The line is currently at capacity with the amount of power it can handle. Modernizing the line will help reinforce the local transmission grid and reduce the number of outages.
Estimated budget for the project is $60 million.
6/21/23: The Becco – Kopperston Transmission Line Project is in service. Appalachian Power representatives are currently working with landowners to restore their properties.
12/02/2020: Crews are currently clearing trees and building access roads. Transmission line construction is expected to begin in spring 2021 and be complete by the end of the year.
6/13/2019: The project schedule has shifted due to weather and other factors. Crews are currently upgrading existing substations, clearing trees, and building access roads. Construction of the Lacey Branch Substation and transmission line is expected to begin later this summer. Appalachian Power plans to conclude the work early next year.
10/15/18: Crews have begun clearing trees and building access roads in areas where easements have been acquired. Construction of the transmission line and Lacey Branch Substation is also underway.
2/01/2018: Appalachian Power has determined a proposed line route for the Becco - Kopperston Transmission Line Project. The proposed route was determined following an informational open house where the company gathered public input. Appalachian Power's right-of-way contractor will continue to work with and inform those affected by the transmission line project.
10/26/2018: Appalachian Power held an open house at Buffalo Elementary School to introduce study segments, answer questions related to the project and gather feedback from the community.
Project Map (PDF)
* Exact structure, height and right-of-way may vary
Substation shown is a general depiction of the proposed substation 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
833-313-3743
camustard@aep.com
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