CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Claiming it needs electrical grid upgrades that will cost between $80 million to $100 million, Appalachian Power held an open house at Horace Mann Middle School on Tuesday night to seek public comment.
“This particular project is all about making sure the transmission system in the Charleston area is reliable for many years to come,” said spokesman Phil Moye. “That project includes about six miles of transmission line, adding another substation in the area, and upgrading our Washington Street station.”
Communications director Jeri Matheney claimed the upgrades are needed to provide reliable electricity in West Virginia.
Appalachian Power recently approved a double-digit rate increase, which Matheney said has nothing to do with this proposed project.
“We live in a very mountainous area covered with trees,” she said. “That makes it a pretty area and an area we all like to live in. It also is a challenge when it comes to providing an electric service because of the trees and because of the terrain.”
The project is in its early stages, with the PSC still considering approval of the renovations.
Appalachian Power hopes to begin construction in 2017 and finish in 2019, Moye said.
“Engineers have laid it out and said this is our proposal,” Moye said. “Really, it’s the first step. Today we’re taking the second step. That is getting public input and getting people out here to provide information to them and get their feedback.”
Before year end Appalachian Power aims to file the project with the Public Service Commission.