AEP Ohio, an American Electric Power (Nasdaq: AEP) company, is moving forward with plans to build two new electric transmission lines in Delaware and Licking counties to serve growing customer demands for power in the area. Following an extensive public participation effort, company officials refined study segments to identify proposed routes for the power lines.

The need for the additional transmission lines was recently presented to PJM Interconnection, the regional grid operator that works with electric companies to ensure the high-voltage power grid is able to meet the demands of customers. Central Ohio has experienced rapid growth in power demand from large energy users in the region.

Early next year AEP Ohio plans to seek approval from the Ohio Power Siting Board to construct the first of two 345-kilovolt lines. The company expects to seek approval to build the second power line shortly thereafter. The new power lines will connect Vassell Substation, off State Route 37 in Sunbury, Delaware County, to two new substations near Green Chapel Road in New Albany, Licking County.

Project plans call for construction on the first transmission line to begin summer 2024 and conclude spring 2026, while construction on the second line is planned to begin spring 2026 and conclude spring 2027.

Landowners with property involved in the final line route as well as the various study segments will be contacted by company representatives notifying them of the final alignments.

To learn more about the project and view an interactive map of the final line routes, visit: AEPOhio.com/GreenChapel