ASHLAND, Ky. (March 1, 2018) – Kentucky Power on Thursday announced its proposed route for an electric transmission upgrade to serve EastPark Industrial Park, including Braidy Industries, and other customers in Boyd County.
The route for the EastPark Transmission Project was determined after incorporating public input gathered from landowners and community members at an open house in February.
“The open house had a great turn out that allowed us to talk with landowners and identify a route that will minimize effects on the community,” said Kentucky Power President and COO Matt Satterwhite. “This project is an important step for Kentucky Power and eastern Kentucky as we take the lead in economic development efforts to bring industry and jobs to the region.”
The proposed route for the transmission line will connect to the existing Chadwick-KES Transmission Line near Kentucky Electric Steel, north of Interstate 64. The line then travels northwest, staying to the right of the Champion Fastpitch Athletic Complex. The line then continues north, crossing Straight Creek Road, Buena Vista Drive and ending at the proposed substation along S. Commerce Drive in the industrial park.
The project will require an approximate 100-foot right-of-way. Kentucky Power right-of-way agents will begin contacting directly affected property owners to discuss acquiring easements.
The project, which consists of building 3 miles of 138-kilovolt transmission line and a substation, will provide EastPark Industrial Park with the electrical service needed to power Braidy Industries and future economic development opportunities. The project, which includes a new substation, also will improve reliability for others living near the area.
“This project is an investment in eastern Kentucky,” Satterwhite said. “It will provide reliable electric service to EastPark and provide the opportunity to grow and expand.”
Kentucky Power plans to file for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity with the Kentucky Public Service Commission this spring. Once approved, construction is expected to start this fall and be complete by the end of 2019. The company will work to keep the public informed about planned construction activities in the area. Additional information about the project, including maps, a timeline and updates, can be found at www.kentuckypower.com/EastPark.
Kentucky Power customers will pay only 4 to 6 percent of the project costs after the upgrade is complete. Transmission project expenses are shared among residents of several states served by grid operator PJM since multiple states benefit from such grid-strengthening projects. Since the EastPark project is still in the planning stages, costs estimates are incomplete. Kentucky Power, with headquarters in Ashland, serves about 168,000 customers in eastern Kentucky.
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