AEP Appalachian Power asks Tennessee commission to resolve boundary dispute with Bristol Tennessee Essential Services

Kingsport Power, doing business as AEP Appalachian Power (AEP), recently filed a petition with the Tennessee Public Utility Commission (PUC), asking it to resolve a boundary dispute with Bristol Tennessee Essential Services (BTEC).

The dispute came about after BTEC constructed electric power distribution facilities on property intended for the new Sullivan County consolidated high school. AEP said that a 1989 state statute designated the property as part of Kingsport Power’s service area.

“We have the legal right — and the obligation — under Tennessee statute and our longtime Sullivan County franchise to provide safe, reliable and cost-effective service for Sullivan County residents and future students in this new education facility,” Andy Shaffron, AEP’s Kingsport district manager, said. “We are committed to doing so.”

According to AEP, meetings between representatives and attorneys from the two companies did not produce a resolution to the conflict.

“We had hoped to resolve the issue of BTES encroachment without having to take this step involving state commissioners,” Shaffron said.

AEP has been providing service to the property since before the 1989 statute was enacted through easements on the property and as part of the Sullivan County franchise agreement, an AEP press release said.

AEP has asked the PUC to establish a “contested case” and resolve the issue in its favor.