Appalachian Power, Wheeling Power report WV broadband project on track for 2023 completion

According to an update reported to the Public Service Commission of West Virginia last week, Appalachian Power and Wheeling Power have completed design, engineering and pole replacements in Logan and Mingo counties, leaving them on schedule for a larger broadband access project.

Broadband access is being facilitated through infrastructure expansion, and presently, the project looks to be completed by December 2023. Workers from the companies began installing 361 miles of fiber optic cable in July for that effort. 

“The work we are doing will make broadband access available to more than 13,000 unserved customers in Logan and Mingo counties,” Chris Beam, Appalachian Power president and COO, said. “Installing fiber-optic cable gives us a robust communications platform for grid enhancements that improve service reliability, and also provides an opportunity to lease the excess middle-mile fiber to an internet service provider for broadband.”

According to the filing submitted to regulators, the companies proposed a $3.6 million increase in the broadband surcharge rate. If regulators approve that increase, the average residential customer’s monthly bills would jump 48 cents starting on March 1, 2023. Funds raised through this will help offset the expansion project’s expenses. 

Construction will proceed in phases, with internet service provider GigaBeam Networks of Bluefield, Virginia given authority to own, install and operate the last-mile infrastructure the broadband services required. As a result, GigaBeam will undertake a rolling series of connections for customers throughout the construction process.