American Electric Power’s (AEP) Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) on Nov. 9 said that it plans to upgrade the electric transmission grid serving customers in Winchester, Ind., through the Winchester Area Improvements Project, which includes upgrading about one mile of electric transmission line.
The project also involves expanding an existing substation, making minor upgrades to another substation to help enhance electric reliability in the area, as well as rebuilding some sections of the line in the company’s existing right of way (ROW) and possible re-routing of other sections, the company said.
As noted on a project fact sheet, the line’s voltage is 69 kV. The substation to be expanded is the Anchor Hocking substation, located near the intersection of East North Street and North Plum Street, while the substation to be upgraded is the Winchester substation, located at the corner of West Ben Street and West Ann Street, the fact sheet noted.
The project area includes the City of Winchester and Randolph County, the fact sheet said.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and physical distancing recommendations made by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, landowners and community members are invited to a virtual open house to learn more about the project, as well as to share input, particularly on possible route options for the line, the company said.
I&M said that it expects construction to begin in spring 2022, and conclude in summer 2025. As noted in the fact sheet, restoration activities would be complete in fall 2025.
