Athens Area Improvements 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.

Summer 2026: The Ohio Power Siting Board (OPSB) approved the application for the Elliott-Lee 138 kV Transmission Line Rebuild Project in May 2026. Landowners along the proposed route can expect to hear from Contract Land Staff (CLS), AEP Ohio's right-of-way representative for this project, to discuss upcoming field activities and next steps.

Athens Area Improvements Project Public Hearing Notice (published 2-21-26) (PDF)

Elliott-Lee 138kV Rebuild Application - Case No. 24-0978-EL-BTX (PDF)

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)