AEP Transmission* representatives plan power grid upgrades in Franklin and Delaware counties. The original project plan announced in 2025 involved rebuilding about 4.5 miles of power line and upgrading three substations to increase operational performance and capacity of the local electric grid.
As the project continues to develop, it was determined that undergrounding the transmission line would result in an increase of almost 6 times the cost of the original overhead solution. While system improvements are necessary, AEP recognizes the importance of keeping customer bills affordable. Along with increased cost, undergrounding the transmission line would result in additional property impacts during construction, longer outages to customers and more complex maintenance in the future.
In fall 2026, the company identified a solution to upgrade the Lazelle Substation. This option allows for the retirement of the transmission line completely between Sawmill and Lazelle substations and provides a better solution for customers.
In areas along the line route where distribution facilities are needed to provide power to homes, existing wooden poles will be upgraded with smaller wooden poles and new wire to increase reliability. Plans call for rebuilding within the existing right-of-way, although company representatives may need to acquire new or supplement easements to ensure the safe construction, operation and maintenance of the power line.
The existing power lines and substations date back to the 1930s. The infrastructure is aging, and the area has experienced multiple outages in recent years. The planned improvements modernize the local transmission system with upgraded substation equipment and steel poles, improve operational performance and increase electric capacity to provide for improved service. The regional grid operator PJM Interconnection (PJM) has identified the need for these upgrades to ensure reliable operation of the local electric grid. PJM is the regional transmission organization that coordinates the transportation of bulk electricity across a 13-state region.
Fall 2026: Company representatives plan to invite the community to an open house in November. Additional details will be provided soon.
Project schedule is under evaluation. Additional information will be provided soon.
In areas where Distribution equipment will be upgraded, company representatives plan to upgrade existing wooden poles approximately 65 feet tall with wooden poles approximately 45 feet tall.
*Exact structure and height requirements may change.
Ohio Power Company provides electricity to nearly 1.5 million customers.
614-933-2998
OhioTransmissionOutreach@aep.com