American Electric Power dedicated its US$306 million Wyoming-Jacksons Ferry 765-kV transmission project, the largest electric transmission infrastructure project currently underway in the United States, at a ceremony on May 8 attended by federal and state officials and other dignitaries.

When AEP (AEP; Columbus, Ohio, U.S.) energizes the Wyoming-Jacksons Ferry project in June, it will bring to a close a 16-year permitting and construction project, and plugs what many in the industry have termed as one of the biggest holes in the nation’s electric transmission grid. AEP last reinforced the transmission grid serving its Virginia and West Virginia customers in 1973, when the electricity demand in the area was 2720 MW. In the winter of 2005-2006, demand topped 7108 MW, 161% greater than the 1973 load.

“Completion of the Wyoming-Jacksons Ferry line is a tremendous accomplishment for the electric utility industry, AEP and its customers,” said Michael G. Morris, AEP chairman, president and chief executive officer. “This project illustrates that transmission lines can be constructed in ways that strike a balance between the environment and the nation’s growing need for electricity.”

More than 350 guests attended the dedication ceremony, which featured remarks from Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine, West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin, U.S. Rep. Joe Barton, who is chairman of the Committee on Energy and Commerce in the U.S. House of Representatives, and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Chairman Joseph Kelliher.

"Developing new energy infrastructure is a national priority, and new power lines like this one are a critical component of that,” Kelliher told the audience. “American Electric Power´s persistence in this endeavor will benefit electricity consumers and strengthen the reliability of the bulk power system.

"This transmission project has had a long history. Thankfully, Congress has provided the Department of Energy, FERC and the states with new tools to help speed the development of critical energy infrastructure projects like this one. A reliable supply of electricity is essential to our nation´s economy and our way of life."

The 90-mile (145-km) Wyoming-Jacksons Ferry line uses a number of innovative technologies including the first 765-kV six-bundle conductor configuration in North America. This cutting-edge technology reduces the audible noise level of the project to approximately half that of earlier lines. The Wyoming-Jacksons Ferry project connects stations in Wyoming County, West Virginia, U.S., and Jacksons Ferry, Virginia, U.S., and will increase AEP’s 765-kV network to 2100 miles (3380 km), more than all other U.S. electric utilities combined.

Many technologies used on the Wyoming-Jacksons Ferry project are applicable to AEP’s new I-765 project. Announced on Jan. 31, 2006, the proposed 765-kV transmission line will connect stations in West Virginia and New Jersey, U.S. The $3 billion project is scheduled to be in operation by 2014.