BERRIEN COUNTY, Mich., November 22, 2022 – Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) representatives plan to invest approximately $62 million to enhance the electric transmission network from Buchanan to Bridgman.
The Buchanan-Bridgman Transmission Line Project involves:
- Building Bucktown Substation off Skyline Drive.
- Building about 3 miles of transmission line from an existing structure near Broceus School Road to Buchanan South Substation off Railroad Street.
- Rebuilding about 17 miles of transmission line from Bridgman to Buchanan.
- Retiring about 2 miles of transmission line from the existing structure near Broceus School Road and East 3rd Street.
The 70-year-old transmission line consists of aging wooden poles that requires updating. The project strengthens the local power grid by reducing the need for frequent maintenance and improves the line’s operational performance. The new substation provides an additional power source to support the area’s growing demand for electricity.
I&M representatives invite community members and landowners to learn more about the project at an in-person open house on Tuesday, Dec. 6, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Lehman’s Orchard, located at 204 Red Bud Trail N. in Buchanan.
There’s no formal presentation, and attendees can arrive at any time to review maps and talk with project representatives. Those who are experiencing fever, cough, body aches, or other COVID-19 symptoms, are asked to please stay home for the safety of the community and I&M staff.
Community members who are unable to attend the open house may visit the virtual open house at IndianaMichiganPower.com/Buchanan-Bridgman to access information, view an interactive map, and submit comments through the project website.
I&M representatives urge landowners and community members to submit their feedback on these projects by Wednesday, Dec. 20. Project plans call for construction to begin in early 2026 and conclude in spring 2027.
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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 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 2045. 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.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Michael Bianski
Communications Consultant Sr.
Indiana Michigan Power
260-249-5419
mfbianski@aep.com