We are always working to provide reliable service to Ohioans. A major part of providing that reliable service is modernizing AEP’s transmission system, which includes 40,000 miles of high-voltage power lines across 10 states.
What is the Transmission System?
Before AEP Ohio can safely deliver power to your home, it must route through the transmission system. Think about when you travel long distances—you likely use freeways and highways. Similarly, our transmission system carries high-voltage power over long distances before it reaches distribution equipment. Stronger, larger steel transmission poles can better withstand extreme weather events. Also, modernized equipment helps us identify and respond to problems quickly while providing greater protection from cyber and physical threats.
Our team is constantly evaluating the transmission system and making proactive improvements to ensure you have the power you need. Unfortunately, almost 11,000 miles of transmission lines will be more than 70 years old within the next decade. By the time a line is 75 years old, the risk of it failing and causing an outage is around eight times greater than when it was 40 years old. That’s why we’re investing today. Time is of the essence because it can sometimes take five years or more to design and build a transmission line.
What are We Doing in Your Area?
- Marion Road/Mound Street: We’re making improvements south of Interstate 70 in downtown Columbus, including upgrading two substations and installing three miles of underground line. The upgrades are necessary to accommodate road improvements by the Ohio Department of Transportation and address aging infrastructure.
- Parsons Avenue: We’re installing three miles of 138-kilovolt (kV) transmission line, building a new Cyprus substation (by Scioto Downs) and upgrading the Parsons substation. These improvements will strengthen the local power grid, provide power to the growing area and support economic development.
- Southeast Columbus/Groveport: Proposed improvements include building five new miles of 138-kV transmission line, rebuilding 10 miles of transmission line and expanding the Shannon substation. Modern steel poles—which, in some areas, will replace 70-year-old equipment—will improve the reliability and resiliency of the local electric system.
If you’d like to learn more about our transmission projects, visit AEPTransmission.com/Ohio. Many of our larger projects have an individual page with an interactive map and additional details.
Hamilton road in front of Groveport high school sure looks very busy. I wondered if maybe the new warehouses popping up all over the place could need electric and this was the way to do it. Thanks