Indiana Michigan Power to upgrade transmission line in Whitley County

Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) plans to invest $43 million to upgrade the electric transmission network in Whitley County, Ind.

The Whitley County Transmission Line Rebuild Project will upgrade about 15 miles of 69-kilovolt transmission line. It also includes rebuilding a substation near the intersection of County Road 400 and South 150 East. The power line will be rebuilt in the existing right-of-way, although it may need to be widened in certain areas, company officials said.

The existing transmission line consists of 60-year-old wooden poles that are deteriorating and require frequent maintenance. They will be upgraded with modern steel poles, reducing the need for frequent power line maintenance. The steel poles will also improve the line’s operational performance. The substation upgrades will also reduce the likelihood of larger, longer power outages.

I&M officials will communicate with landowners who are directly involved in what to expect before, during, and after construction. However, I&M and its contractors are limiting in-person visits with landowners during this process to ensure the safety and health of the public and company representatives.

Construction is expected to begin in spring 2022. It is targeted for completion by fall 2023.

I&M, a subsidiary of American Electric Power, is headquartered in Fort Wayne, Ind. It serves approximately 599,000 customers in Indiana and Michigan.