CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Now that the state Public Service Commission has approved the permit for a new transmission line in northern Kanawha and Roane counties, the next step is getting the route for the line established.
“We’re now going to start contacting landowners and getting permission to survey,” said George Porter with American Electric Power Company. “Our right of way department will start that process by looking at property values and then contacting landowners directly. ”
The project will run 25 miles of 138 kv line between Clendenin in Kanawha County and Walton in Roane County. Along the route the project will include construction of three sub-stations and distribute power in all directions of the region.
“Reliability is not at it’s best, it’s in dire need of transmission improvement,” Porter said. “Once this project is complete in 2019, it will insure that reliability to AEP customers in both Roane and Kanawha counties.”
The project plan calls for use of “H” structure towers to carry the lines. There is no start date until all easements and the line route are finalized. Porter expected that to happen later this year. The project is expected to be completed around 2019. Total cost is estimated to be around $75 million.