GAHANNA, Ohio — AEP Ohio representatives have announced plans to upgrade the electric transmission grid and improve reliability of the electric power grid for customers in Athens County.
The Blackburn Road - West Union Street Transmission Improvements Project involves relocating and modernizing about 1 mile of underground 69-kilovolt transmission line in the city of Athens. Company representatives plan to relocate most of the line beneath the Hockhocking Adena Bikeway, with some portions of the route traveling north on South Shafer Street and West Green Drive.
Upgrading the underground transmission line and locating it within concrete meets modern standards and reduces the risk of service interruptions. Upgrades are required by PJM, the regional transmission operator who oversees the transmission grid. Improvements ensure the line supports the community's predicted electrical load growth.
Community members and landowners are invited to learn more about the project details and view an interactive map at AEPOhio.com/Blackburn.
Company officials expect construction to begin in spring 2026 and conclude in fall 2028.
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About AEP Ohio
AEP Ohio is based in Gahanna, Ohio, and is a unit of American Electric Power. AEP Ohio provides electricity to 1.5 million customers. News and information about AEP Ohio can be found at AEPOhio.com.
Our team at American Electric Power (Nasdaq: AEP) is committed to improving our customers' lives with reliable, affordable power. We are investing $54 billion from 2025 through 2029 to enhance service for customers and support the growing energy needs of our communities. Our nearly 16,000 employees operate and maintain the nation's largest electric transmission system with 40,000 line miles, along with more than 225,000 miles of distribution lines to deliver energy to 5.6 million customers in 11 states. AEP also is one of the nation's largest electricity producers with approximately 29,000 megawatts of diverse generating capacity. We are focused on safety and operational excellence, creating value for our stakeholders and bringing opportunity to our service territory through economic development and community engagement. Our family of companies includes AEP Ohio, AEP Texas, Appalachian Power (in Virginia, West Virginia and 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. AEP is headquartered in Columbus, Ohio. For more information, visit aep.com.
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