FORT WAYNE, Ind., Sept. 26, 2022 – Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) representatives plan to invest approximately $32 million to enhance the electric transmission network in downtown Fort Wayne.
The Central Fort Wayne Transmission Improvements Project involves:
- Upgrading equipment at Melita Substation, off Melita Street.
- Upgrading equipment at Fulton Substation, off West Superior Street.
- Upgrading equipment at Spy Run Substation, off Elizabeth Street.
- Rebuilding at the current location approximately 1.5 miles of 69-kilovolt (kV) transmission line between Melita, Fulton and Spy Run substations.
- Relocating about 1 mile of 69-kV transmission line.
The 60-year-old transmission line consists of aging wooden poles that no longer meet operational standards and requires updating. Rebuilding the line strengthens the local power grid and improves the line’s operational performance by reducing the need for frequent maintenance. The upgrades reduce the likelihood of power outages and improve recovery of service in the event outages occur.
Project plans include relocating a section of the line that currently crosses the River North property northwest of the intersection of Clinton and Fourth streets.
I&M representatives are hosting an in-person open house. Residents and community members can learn more about the project and ask questions. Area residents are invited to attend the open house on Tuesday, Oct. 11, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Promenade Park – Park Foundation Pavilion, located at 202 W. Superior St. in Fort Wayne. Free parking is available at 301 W. Superior St. after 5:00 p.m.
Since there’s no formal presentation, attendees can arrive at any time to review maps and talk with project team members.
For the health and safety of the public, we ask anyone who may be experiencing fever, cough, body aches or other COVID-19 symptoms, to please stay home.
Community members who are unable to attend the open house can visit the virtual open house online at IndianaMichiganPower.com/CentralFortWayne to access information, view an interactive map, enter the virtual open house and submit comments.
Company officials expect construction to begin in early 2024 and conclude in spring 2026.
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ABOUT INDIANA MICHIGAN POWER: 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.
ABOUT AMERICAN ELECTRIC POWER: 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 5,900 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.