MCDERMOTT, Ohio – AEP Ohio officials plan to upgrade the electric transmission grid serving customers in Adams and Scioto counties.

The Rarden-Rosemount Area Improvements Project involves:

• Building approximately 25 miles of 69-kilovolt transmission line
• Building Bierly Substation near the intersection of U.S. Highway 23 and Bierly Drive
• Building McDermott Substation south of the intersection of Potluck Road (TR 47) and Colley Road (TR 56)
• Building Otway Substation north of the intersection of Adkins-Hoffer Hill Road (TR 81) and State Route 348
• Expanding the Rarden Substation east of Jaybird Road (TR 18) along State Route 73

These power grid upgrades in Adams and Scioto counties improve local electric reliability. Rarden Substation currently receives power from a single source and the proposed 25-mile power line provides an additional source of electricity. The current power line serving the area is remote and difficult to access which can lead to extended power outages. These new electric facilities reduce the likelihood of outages and speed restoration time when they do occur.

AEP Ohio invites community members and landowners in the project area to learn more at an upcoming open house. The public event takes place on Thursday, Aug. 19, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Northwest High School Cafeteria, located at 914 Mohawk Drive in McDermott. 

Since there’s no formal presentation, attendees can arrive at any time to review maps and talk with project representatives. AEP Ohio representatives encourage landowners to provide input to help the company determine the final proposed line route.

Due to COVID-19, AEP Ohio staff members plan to wear face coverings and practice social distancing at the open house to ensure safety for the community. Attendees are encouraged to wear face coverings at the open house per the recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance for vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals. Masks and hand sanitizer will be available for the public at the event.

Individuals who are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms are asked to please stay home and visit the virtual open house. Those who are not able to attend the open house may visit the virtual open house at AEPOhio.com/Rarden-Rosemount to access project information, view an interactive map, enter the virtual open house and submit comments through a “Contact Us” link by Aug. 31.

Company officials expect construction to begin in early 2024 and conclude in late 2025.