FORT WAYNE, Ind., April 14, 2022 – Indiana Michigan Power (I&M), an American Electric Power company, plans to invest approximately $85 million to strengthen the electric transmission network in Southwestern Michigan. Construction is expected to start spring 2023 and finish late 2024.
The Hartford Area Improvements Project involves:
- Rebuilding approximately 15 miles of 138-kilovolt (kV) transmission line between Benton Harbor and Hartford.
- Rebuilding approximately 18 miles of 69-kV transmission line between Hartford, Bangor and South Haven.
- Upgrading equipment at Bangor substation off West Arlington Street.
The project strengthens the electric transmission system. Modern steel poles will replace aging wooden poles from the 1950s. The project improves the line’s operational performance, reduces the likelihood of extended power outages and enhances electric reliability for homeowners, businesses and communities I&M serves.
I&M representatives plan to communicate project updates with landowners in the area throughout the process.
Additional details are available at www.IndianaMichiganPower.com/HartfordMichigan.
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Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) is headquartered in Fort Wayne, and its approximately 2,100 employees serve more than 600,000 customers. More than 80% of its energy delivered in 2021 was emission-free. I&M has at its availability various sources of generation including 2,278 MW of nuclear generation in Michigan, 450 MW of purchased wind generation from Indiana, more than 22 MW of hydro generation in both states and approximately 35 MW of large-scale solar generation in both states. The company’s generation portfolio also includes 2,620 MW of coal-fueled generation in Indiana.
American Electric Power, based in Columbus, Ohio, is powering a cleaner, brighter energy future for its customers and communities. AEP’s approximately 16,700 employees operate and maintain the nation’s largest electricity transmission system and more than 224,000 miles of distribution lines to safely deliver reliable and affordable power to 5.5 million regulated customers in 11 states. AEP also is one of the nation’s largest electricity producers with approximately 30,000 megawatts of diverse generating capacity, including more than 6,100 megawatts of renewable energy. The company’s plans include growing its renewable generation portfolio to approximately 50% of total capacity by 2030. AEP is on track to reach an 80% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions from 2000 levels by 2030 and has committed to achieving net zero by 2050. AEP is recognized consistently for its focus on sustainability, community engagement, and diversity, equity and inclusion. AEP’s family of companies includes utilities AEP Ohio, AEP Texas, Appalachian Power (in Virginia and West Virginia), AEP Appalachian Power (in Tennessee), Indiana Michigan Power, Kentucky Power, Public Service Company of Oklahoma, and Southwestern Electric Power Company (in Arkansas, Louisiana, east Texas and the Texas Panhandle). AEP also owns AEP Energy, which provides innovative competitive energy solutions nationwide. For more information, visit aep.com.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Schneè Doyle
Communications Consultant Sr.
Indiana Michigan Power
574-218-5987
smgarrett@aep.com