BENTON HARBOR, Mich., – Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) plans to modernize the electric transmission network in Benton Harbor by upgrading aging equipment, including lattice tower structures and wooden power poles that have been in operation since the 1930s.
The Benton Harbor – Riverside Transmission Improvements Project involves:
- Rebuilding approximately 2 miles of transmission line between Riverside Substation off Paw Paw Avenue and Benton Harbor Water Works Substation off Ridgeway Street.
- Relocating a half mile of transmission line to the south side of Klock Road, between North 8th Street and Paw Paw Avenue
- Rebuilding approximately 1 mile of transmission line between Benton Harbor Water Works Substation and an existing structure near Whitwam Drive and State Highway 63.
- Rebuilding about a quarter mile of transmission line along Graham Avenue near the Renaissance Athletic Club.
The estimated $11 million investment strengthens the local electric transmission system to meet the growing demand for electricity in the area. The project upgrades the capacity of the power line from vintage 34.5 kilovolt (kV) to modern 69 kV standards. The upgrades improve the line’s operational performance, reduce the likelihood of extended power outages and enhance electric reliability for the community.
“The average electric transmission line is built to last about 70 years,” said Mona Livingston, I&M Community Affairs manager. “This line is beyond it’s expected life and needs to be replaced to ensure reliable electric service for Benton Harbor area customers.”
Project plans call for construction to begin early 2025 and conclude by spring 2026. I&M representatives plan to communicate project updates with area landowners throughout the process.
Additional details are available at www.IndianaMichiganPower.com/BHRiverside
# # #
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, nearly 35 MW of large-scale solar generation in both states, and 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 31,000 megawatts of diverse generating capacity, including more than 7,100 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.