SOUTH BEND, Ind., May 10, 2022 – Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) representatives plan to invest approximately $56 million to enhance the electric transmission network across southwest Michigan. Today, I&M announced the final line routes for two high-voltage power lines in St. Joseph and Cass counties to support the region’s electrical needs and enhance reliability.
The White Pigeon Transmission Line Improvements Project involves building approximately 9 miles of 138-kilovolt (kV) power line in St. Joseph County and upgrading Stubey Road Substation located off West Chicago Road near Sturgis.
The South Cass County Transmission Line Project involves building 3 miles of 138-kV power line between an existing transmission line and Surges Road Substation in Milton Township and expanding the Surges Road Substation near its current location.
I&M representatives announced both projects in February with virtual open houses and live presentations and received community feedback. Following review of community feedback, land use, constructability and environmental impacts, the project team determined the final proposed line routes.
“At I&M, we value the community’s input during this process,” said Mona Livingston, I&M community affairs manager. “The knowledge and feedback of local landowners helps ensure we can provide the best service possible with the least impact to the environment and the community.”
I&M representatives mailed letters notifying residents in the project area of the proposed line routes. Right-of-way agents plan to work with affected landowners to discuss necessary easements, access and construction activities. Project plans call for construction to begin spring 2023 and conclude by late 2025.
To view an interactive map of the proposed power line routes visit IndianaMichiganPower.com/WhitePigeon and IndianaMichiganPower.com/SouthCassCounty.
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Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) is headquartered in Fort Wayne, and its approximately 2,100 employees serve more than 600,000 customers. More than 80% of its energy delivered in 2021 was emission-free. I&M has at its availability various sources of generation including 2,278 MW of nuclear generation in Michigan, 450 MW of purchased wind generation from Indiana, more than 22 MW of hydro generation in both states and approximately 35 MW of large-scale solar generation in both states. The company’s generation portfolio also includes 2,620 MW of coal-fueled generation in Indiana.
American Electric Power, based in Columbus, Ohio, is powering a cleaner, brighter energy future for its customers and communities. AEP’s approximately 16,700 employees operate and maintain the nation’s largest electricity transmission system and more than 224,000 miles of distribution lines to safely deliver reliable and affordable power to 5.5 million regulated customers in 11 states. AEP also is one of the nation’s largest electricity producers with approximately 30,000 megawatts of diverse generating capacity, including more than 6,100 megawatts of renewable energy. The company’s plans include growing its renewable generation portfolio to approximately 50% of total capacity by 2030. AEP is on track to reach an 80% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions from 2000 levels by 2030 and has committed to achieving net zero by 2050. AEP is recognized consistently for its focus on sustainability, community engagement, and diversity, equity and inclusion. AEP’s family of companies includes utilities AEP Ohio, AEP Texas, Appalachian Power (in Virginia and West Virginia), AEP Appalachian Power (in Tennessee), Indiana Michigan Power, Kentucky Power, Public Service Company of Oklahoma, and Southwestern Electric Power Company (in Arkansas, Louisiana, east Texas and the Texas Panhandle). AEP also owns AEP Energy, which provides innovative competitive energy solutions nationwide. For more information, visit aep.com.