FORT WAYNE, Ind., Feb. 16, 2023 – Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) plans to invest approximately $15 million to enhance the electric transmission network in western Fort Wayne.
The Aboite Center-Illinois Road Transmission Line Rebuild Project involves rebuilding about 7 miles of 69-kilovolt transmission line connecting three area substations. Company representatives plan to rebuild most of the power line in or near the existing right-of-way, which may involve acquiring new or updating existing property easements.
The project strengthens the electric transmission system by replacing aging wooden poles from the 1960s with modern steel poles. The existing transmission line has experienced more than five service interruptions since 2015 and requires frequent maintenance in its current condition. The upgrades improve operational performance, reduce the likelihood of extended power outages and enhance electric reliability for area customers.
I&M representatives are hosting an in-person open house on Thursday, March 2, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Aboite Elementary School’s gymnasium, located at 5004 Homestead Road in Fort Wayne. The gymnasium entrance is through Door 15. Area residents are invited to attend the open house to learn more about the project, talk with project team members and review maps.
Since there’s no formal presentation, attendees can arrive at any time during the two-hour event.
For the health and safety of the public, we ask that if someone is experiencing fever, cough, body aches or other flu or COVID-19 symptoms, to please stay home.
Community members who are unable to attend the open house may visit the virtual open house at IndianaMichiganPower.com/AboiteCenter-illinois to access information, view an interactive map, enter the virtual open house and submit comments.
Company officials expect construction to begin summer 2024 and conclude late 2025.
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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 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
Corporate Communications Manager
260-408-3420
tkwarner@aep.com