Appalachian Power applies for electrical upgrades in Virginia
Looking to roll out a new electrical source for the region and deploy reliability upgrades for customers of Virginia’s Patrick, Henry, Floyd, Franklin and Carroll counties, Appalachian Power filed a project application last month with the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC).
Now, the review process for the Stuart Area Improvements Project has officially begun and, if approved, should see components for power line and substation upgrades deployed over several years. These upgrades would include replacement of 60 to 100-year-old equipment, rollout of a 138-kV system and other items to improve the local distribution system.
“This extensive transmission improvements project modernizes these transmission facilities by replacing a dated 69-kilovolt (kV) electrical system with a reliable and resilient 138-kV system capable of supporting the area’s current power needs,” Scott Markwell, AEP project manager, said. “The upgrades also provide opportunities for future load growth, supporting central Virginia’s economy.”
The project was announced in 2022, and Appalachian Power, a subsidiary of AEP, held open houses and gathered feedback to form a fuller picture of the situation. After public insight was gathered, the project team reviewed the data – including future land use, environmental impacts and the public input – and laid out proposed line routes.
Going forward, landowners within approximately 300 feet on either side of the proposed centerline, within the SCC filing corridor, will receive mailers explaining how to participate in the approval process. If the project is eventually approved, landowners with property along the proposed route will also be contacted to discuss next steps. Actual construction should begin in fall 2025.
