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?
- East Logan-South Lancaster: We’re rebuilding about 15 miles of 69-kiloVolt (kV) power line from Logan to Lancaster. Improving the nearly 100-year-old power line reduces the likelihood of larger, longer power outages in the area by replacing deteriorating steel lattice and wooden poles with modern equipment.
- Crooksville-Philo: We’re upgrading about 12 miles of power line in Perry and Muskingum counties. This will help reduce the likelihood of power outages and speed restoration when outages occur.
- Hemlock-Bryson: We’re building about four miles of 69-kV power line, installing switching equipment and upgrading a substation in Meigs County. Enhancing the local transmission system improves the performance and reliability of the local electrical network.
If you’d like to learn more about our transmission projects or are looking for more information, visit AEPTransmission.com/Ohio. Many of our larger projects have an individual page with an interactive map and additional details.
How do I file a complaint from the way the trees were cut under the Crooksville/ Philo transmission lines. They left trees and brush piled where I use to mow.
Brian, we appreciate the message. I sent it to our forestry department and you should hear from a representative soon. Thank you.