DELAWARE COUNTY, Ohio — Intel, Google, Amazon and Meta are all in need of more power, as well as new homes that will be built in the future. AEP Ohio says it has plans to satisfy these energy needs.
“The approximate load growth in this area is approximately 500 megawatts but by the end of 2027 we are anticipating, we are expecting this load growth to exceed 2,000 megawatts,” said Brian Recker, project outreach specialist for AEP.
Four times the energy growth makes this section of central Ohio unique.
“In terms of Columbus as a whole, this is one of the fastest growing areas of electric demand,” said Recker.
To meet the demand, AEP plans to install two 345-kilovolt transmission lines between New Albany and Johnstown. Each line is 13 miles long.
To build the transmission project, AEP needs to purchase 150-foot right-of-way permits. To do that, the energy company will need approval from landowners to cross their property.
“We've had some good success so far, and we have about 80 individual property owners that we are working to acquire easements from,” said Recker.
AEP says the project will cost $210 million and AEP customers across its eastern footprint will share in the cost.
Helping to move the electricity through the lines are what’s called "BOLD" transmission lines, or Breakthrough Overhead Line Design.
“It transmits electricity more efficiently so there is less loss as it transmits during the transmission line,” said Recker.
AEP says it plans to construct the first high-energy line in the fall with anticipated completion in the spring of 2026.
The second line will follow that with a completion date in the spring of 2027.
You can read more about the project here.