Athens AreaImprovements Project

AEP Ohio representatives plan to upgrade the electric transmission network serving customers in Athens County.

The Athens Area Improvements Project involves:

• Building approximately 1.5 miles of 138-kilovolt (kV) power line.
• Upgrading about 6.5 miles of 69-kV power line to 138-kV power line.
• Retiring approximately 15 miles of transmission facilities.
• Upgrading Lee Substation located off Virginia Street in Albany and Elliott Substation located off Blackburn Road in Athens.

Upgrading and retiring the existing deteriorating equipment improves the line's performance, increases electric capacity and reduces the need for frequent power line maintenance.

This project requires Ohio Power Siting Borad (OPSB) approval.

Late 2025: On November 18, company representatives filed an application with the Ohio Power Siting Board (OPSB) for the Elliott-Lee 138 kV Transmission Line Rebuild Project under Case No. 24-0978-EL-BTX. The application is currently under OPSB review. As the review progresses, landowners will receive additional information. The filing is available in the OPSB docketing system at dis.puc.state.oh.us.

Athens Area Improvements Project Informational Meeting #2 Notice (published 8-7-25)  (PDF)

Athens Area Improvements Project Informational Meeting #1 Notice (published 11-5-24) (PDF)