Appalachian Power and Kentucky Power representatives are upgrading the transmission system in Pike County, Kentucky and Mingo County, West Virginia, according to a statement from Kentucky Power.
The project involves rebuilding approximately 6 miles of 69-kilovolt (kV) transmission line, building approximately 3 miles of 46-kV transmission line, and building the Peter Creek Substation to replace the Barrenshe Substation, the statement said.
The statement said the upgrades replace aging equipment from the 1920s with modern steel infrastructure, enhancing reliability in the area and reducing the need for frequent maintenance. The project allows crews to retire equipment located in difficult terrain.
The team is seeking feedback on all route options to rebuild the line.
Community members and landowners are invited to attend an informal open house, which will be held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Aug. 18 at Old School Events, located at 24 Runyon Branch, Pinsonfork, Kentucky.
There will be no formal presentation. Attendees may come and go at any time to speak with project representatives, review preliminary maps and ask questions, the statement said.
Residents who cannot attend may visit, aeptransmission.com/westvirginia/coleman-grapevine/open-house, to access a virtual open house and submit comments online.
Landowners in the study area will receive mailed information packets that include additional details and opportunities to provide feedback by Sept. 1.
“This project is part Kentucky Power’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the electric grid and improve service reliability for area customers,” said Sarah Lynch, Kentucky Power spokesperson. “By upgrading aging equipment, we are working to deliver safe, dependable service for our neighbors and reducing the potential of extended power outages.”
Kentucky Power regularly reviews its transmission infrastructure to identify areas where aging equipment may need to be replaced as part of responsible long-term system planning, the statement said.