NILES, Mich. – Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) plans to enhance the electric transmission network in Berrien and Cass Counties by rebuilding 8 miles of electric transmission or high-voltage lines in and around the Niles area.
The FourFlag Transmission Line Project involves:
- Rebuilding about 5 miles of 69-kilovolt (kV) power line between Pokagon Substation off Barron Lake Road and Lake Street Substation off Lake Street.
- Rebuilding about 3 miles of power line from Lake Street Substation to FourFlag Substation off South 3rd Street.
The existing power lines and wooden poles have been in operation since the 1950s and have reached an age where it needs to be replaced. Rebuilding this line improves operational performance, reduces maintenance frequency and strengthens the local electric transmission network in the Niles area.
“The estimated $19 million investment into southwest Michigan will help ensure the safe and reliable delivery of electrical service to customers who call Berrien and Cass counties home,” said Mona Livingston, I&M community affairs manager. “The upgrades will help I&M respond in the event of a power outage and reduce the likelihood of extended outages for customers, including during severe weather events.”
Construction is planned for fall 2023 and is expected to conclude in spring 2025.
Additional details are available at www.IndianaMichiganPower.com/FourFlag.
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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, 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.