ASHLAND, Ky., June 28, 2021 – Kentucky Power representatives are seeking approval for the Garrett Area Transmission Line Rebuild Project. The project involves:
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Rebuilding approximately 15 miles of 138-kilovolt electric transmission line
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Building the Eastern Substation
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Expanding the Garrett Substation
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Upgrading the Hays Branch, Saltlick and Soft Shell Substations
The project allows crews to retire approximately 25 miles of transmission line that includes deteriorating wooden poles from the 1920s and 1940s. The existing line has experienced multiple power outages in recent years. The proposed power grid updates help to strengthen the local electric system and increase electric reliability for area customers.
Company officials determined a proposed power line route after reviewing input provided by landowners and community members following Kentucky Power’s project announcement and virtual open house in March. Kentucky Power representatives plan to submit an application this fall to seek project approval from the Kentucky Public Service Commission (PSC). Kentucky Power representatives are communicating with property owners in the project area prior to submitting the application.
If the Kentucky PSC approves the project, Kentucky Power representatives expect construction to begin summer 2023 and conclude at the end of 2024. Visit www.KentuckyPower.com/Garrett for additional information about the project.
Kentucky Power, with headquarters in Ashland, provides electric service to about 165,000 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.