ASHLAND, Ky., April 23, 2026 – The Kentucky Public Service Commission (PSC) has approved Kentucky Power’s application to construct the Prestonsburg-Thelma Transmission Line Rebuild Project. The project, which was first announced in 2022, involves rebuilding approximately 14 miles of transmission line to 69-kilovolt (kV) standards, retiring approximately two miles of 46-kV transmission line and retiring two switch stations.
The Prestonsburg–Thelma line serves an important role in delivering power in the region. Based on system performance and planning assessments by PJM, the regional transmission organization that oversees the electric grid, upgrades were identified to strengthen reliability and meet current system standards. The upgrades allow crews to rebuild the line in a more accessible location, replace aging wooden structures with modern steel structures and add modern equipment that protects the line from lightning strikes.
“This project is part of Kentucky Power’s commitment to providing reliable power to customers,” said Sarah Lynch, spokesperson for Kentucky Power. “The PSC’s approval of the Prestonsburg-Thelma Transmission Line Rebuild Project is an important step forward in improving the power grid in eastern Kentucky.”
Kentucky Power’s right-of-way representatives plan to contact landowners along the approved route to discuss next steps, which may include requesting property access to complete surveys, appraisals, geotechnical studies and other work as appropriate.
Company officials expect construction to begin this summer and conclude fall 2028. Project representatives invite landowners and community members to learn more about the project by visiting the website at KentuckyPower.com/Thelma.
Kentucky Power, with headquarters in Ashland, provides electric service to about 162,000 customers in all or part of 20 eastern Kentucky counties, including Boyd, Breathitt, Carter, Clay, Elliott, Floyd, Greenup, Johnson, Knott, Lawrence, Leslie, Letcher, Lewis, Magoffin, Martin, Morgan, Owsley, Perry, Pike and Rowan. Kentucky Power is an operating company in the American Electric Power system, one of the largest electric utilities in the U.S., delivering electricity and custom energy solutions to nearly 5.4 million regulated customers in 11 states. AEP also owns the nation’s largest electricity transmission system. AEP’s headquarters are in Columbus, Ohio.