Indiana Michigan Power to enhance its electric transmission network
Indiana Michigan Power representatives plan to invest approximately $56 million to enhance the electric transmission network across southwest Michigan.
Tuesday, I&M announced the final line routes for two high-voltage power lines in St. Joseph and Cass counties to support the region’s electrical needs and enhance reliability.
The White Pigeon Transmission Line Improvements Project involves building approximately nine miles of 138-kilovolt (kV) power line in St. Joseph County and upgrading the Stubey Road Substation located off West Chicago Road near Sturgis.
The line will run between the Pigeon River Substation on South Elkhart Street in White Pigeon and the Stubey Road Substation.
I&M officials said the improvements will provide additional capacity to the electric system to support local economic development; strengthen the local electric transmission system and reduce the likelihood of power outages by adding an additional source of power to the area and speed recovery of service when outages occur.
The project involves installing steel poles, approximately 75-100 feet tall.
The South Cass County Transmission Line Project involves building three miles of 138-kV power line between an existing transmission line and the Surges Road Substation in Milton Township and expanding the Surges Road Substation near its current location.
I&M representatives announced both projects in February with virtual open houses and live presentations and received community feedback. Following review of community feedback, land use, constructability and environmental impacts, the project team determined the final proposed line routes.
“At I&M, we value the community’s input during this process,” said Mona Livingston, I&M community affairs manager. “The knowledge and feedback of local landowners helps ensure we can provide the best service possible with the least impact to the environment and the community.”
I&M representatives mailed letters notifying residents in the project area of the proposed line routes. Right-of-way agents plan to work with affected landowners to discuss necessary easements, access and construction activities. Project plans call for construction to begin spring 2023 and conclude by late 2025.
To view an interactive map of the proposed power line routes visit IndianaMichiganPower.com/WhitePigeon and IndianaMichiganPower.com/SouthCassCounty.
This article originally appeared on Sturgis Journal: Indiana Michigan Power to enhance its electric transmission network
