Eastern Melita Area Improvements Project

Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) representatives plan power grid upgrades to improve electric reliability for customers in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

The Eastern Melita Area Improvements Project involves:

• Building about 5 miles of 69-kilovolt (kV) power line.
• Rebuilding about 3 miles of 69-kV power line.
• Upgrading 6 substations to meet 69-kV capable reliability standards.
• Removing about 5 miles of transmission lines.

The existing transmission lines in the area consist of deteriorating wooden poles from the 1970s. Reconfiguring the electric transmission network in Fort Wayne provides a more reliable flow of electricity, improves operational performance and reduces the need for frequent equipment repairs.

All 34-kV lines and stations will be upgraded to 69-kV Reliable Power Standards.

Spring 2026: I&M representatives announced the Eastern Melita Area Improvement Project March 2, 2026, and held a public Open House event at McMillen Park Community Center on March 19, 2026. 

At this time, no final line route has been determined. The Company is currently reviewing community feedback, environmental impacts and land use impacts to determine a final line route for the proposed transmission line.

I&M views landowners as integral and fundamental partners in the reliable transmission of power. Statements or letters suggesting otherwise are inaccurate and not consistent with I&M's longstanding policies and practices.

Once a line route is determined, property owners along the power line route will be contacted by Michiana Land Services, Inc. (MLS), the right-of-way vendor representing I&M for this project. Impacted landowners will receive a project update with a map and next steps.