FORT WAYNE, Ind., November 29, 2022 – Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) plans to enhance the electric transmission network by upgrading substation equipment and rebuilding about 29 miles of electric transmission line in northeast Indiana and northwest Ohio.
The Fort Wayne-Hicksville Transmission Line Project involves:
- Rebuilding about 24 miles of 69-kilovolt (kV) transmission line from Robison Park Substation off Diebold Road in Fort Wayne to the Indiana state border near County Road 64.
- Rebuilding about 1 mile of 69-kV transmission line from the Ohio state border near Spencerville Hicksville Road to North Hicksville Substation off Elm Street in Hicksville.
- Rebuilding about 5 miles of 69-kV transmission line from the Ohio state border near Spencerville Hicksville Road to South Hicksville Substation off Clemmer Road in Hicksville.
- Replacing three poles along a 138-kV transmission line off Antwerp Road in Hicksville.
- Upgrading equipment at St. Joe Substation off Washington Street.
The project strengthens the electric transmission system by replacing deteriorating wooden poles from the 1960s with modern steel poles. The existing transmission lines have experienced more than 30 power outages in the past 5 years. Upgrading the line with modern equipment improves the line's operational performance, reduces the likelihood of extended power outages and the need for frequent equipment repairs. Crews plan to replace three poles to meet modern clearance standards at a power line crossing.
“The estimated $50 million investment into northeast Indiana and northwest Ohio will help ensure the safe and reliable delivery of electrical service to customers in Allen County, Indiana and Defiance County, Ohio,” said Kelly Rentschler, 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.”
Company representatives plan to communicate project updates with landowners in the area throughout the process. Construction is planned for spring 2024 and is expected to conclude in summer 2027.
Additional details are available at IndianaMichiganPower.com/FortWayne-Hicksville.
# # #
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 2005 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:
Tracy Warner
Communications Manager
Indiana Michigan Power
260-479-9484
tkwarner@aep.com