BERRIEN COUNTY, Mich., July 13, 2023 – Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) has selected the proposed power transmission line route for the Buchanan-Bridgman Transmission Line Project.
The Buchanan-Bridgman Transmission Line Project involves:
- Building Bucktown Substation off Skyline Drive in east Buchanan.
- Building about 3 miles of transmission line from an existing tower near Broceus School Road – west of Buchanan – 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 tower near Broceus School Road and East 3rd Street.
The project will strengthen the local power grid by reducing the need for frequent maintenance and will improve the line’s performance. The new substation provides an additional power source to support the area’s growing demand for electricity.
Company representatives determined the route after reviewing input from landowners and community members following I&M’s project announcement and open house in December 2022.
Construction is expected to begin in early 2026 and conclude spring 2027.
To view an interactive map of the proposed power line route visit IndianaMichiganPower.com/Buchanan-Bridgman
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Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) is headquartered in Fort Wayne, and its approximately 2,000 employees serve more than 600,000 customers. More than 80% of its energy delivered in 2022 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 1,497 MW of coal-fueled generation.
American Electric Power, based in Columbus, Ohio, is powering a cleaner, brighter energy future for its customers and communities. AEP’s approximately 17,000 employees operate and maintain the nation’s largest electricity transmission system and more than 225,000 miles of distribution lines to safely deliver reliable and affordable power to 5.6 million regulated customers in 11 states. AEP also is one of the nation’s largest electricity producers with approximately 30,000 megawatts of diverse generating capacity, including more than 7,000 megawatts of renewable energy. The company’s plans include growing its renewable generation portfolio to approximately 50% of total capacity by 2032. 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
Indiana Michigan Power Communications
260-408-3420
tkwarner@aep.com