Kentucky Power plans multi-million dollar regional power grid upgrade
Kentucky Power announced a new program to modernize the regional power grid this week, kicking it off with a $30 million investment into transmission lines in the city of Hazard, as well as Perry and Leslie Counties.
The Eastern Kentucky Transmission Program, the power system upgrade, is projected to continue for the next five to seven years. For the inaugural Hazard-Wooton project, though, seven miles of existing transmission line will be rebuilt and upgrades will be undertaken on additional transmission facilities to reduce outage and restoration times. The project alone is estimated to generate an annual tax income of about $270,000 for the area.
“These transmission projects represent a significant investment in eastern Kentucky and will improve reliability for our customers,” Kentucky Power President and COO Matt Satterwhite said. “The projects show how we are modernizing our power delivery infrastructure and supporting our commitment to provide our customers with safe and reliable electrical service.”
At present, the Eastern Kentucky Transmission Program is is still considering its other projects, but intend to replace aging equipment. They have said such projects will come in stages and at present intend to undertake construction in Bell, Clay, Knox, Leslie and Perry counties.
For the Hazard-Wooton project specifically, however, Kentucky Power will host an open house at Hazard Community and Technical College on Aug. 24, with the goal of providing details to affected landowners and the general public.
