American Electric Power to construct new transmission service center in Pikeville
American Electric Power (AEP) announced this week that it began ground preparation for a new 65,000 square-foot, $16.6 million service center in Pikeville, Ky., to expand its transmission operations in the state.
The new facility, located a few miles from the current Kentucky Power Service Center, will serve as a regional transmission center and provide service to eastern Kentucky and southern West Virginia.
“This project represents a significant investment in the region and will allow us to better serve both Kentucky Power and Appalachian Power customers,” Archie Pugh, managing director of AEP’s Transmission Field Services Group, Transmission East, said. “The new transmission center will give our crews easier access to the equipment they need to maintain and repair the electric grid in the region.”
The new facility will reduce crowding in the current Kentucky Power Pikeville Service Center, which will continue to serve customers, AEP said. The company plans to locate up to 65 employees at the new complex, which will also feature meeting space and offices as well as vehicle and equipment storage.
Construction on the foundation is scheduled to start in March, and construction is projected to be complete by June 2020.
