Niles AreaTransmission Improvements Project: Niles North

Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) representatives plan to upgrade the power grid in the Niles area by improving the transmission infrastructure.

The Niles Area Transmission Improvements Project includes several components. The Niles North component, located in Cass County, Michigan, involves:

• Expanding the existing 69-kilovolt (kV) Kenzie Creek Substation located on the corner of Thompson Road and White Street in Niles.
• Rebuilding Pokagon Substation located off Barron Lake Road southwest of Cook Street.
• Building about 1.5 miles of new 69-kV transmission line.
• Rebuilding about 1 mile of 69-kV transmission line.

The project strengthens the local transmission grid and improves electric reliability for area customers. Replacing or improving aging substation equipment reduces the likelihood of service interruptions.

Summer 2025: Construction on the new transmission line is underway and expected to conclude by the end of the year, depending on weather and other factors. Vegetation clearing for the rebuild portion starts soon with construction set to begin in August and continue through the end of the year. 

I&M crews take every precaution during construction to ensure public safety, including minimizing traffic delays. Flaggers and other safety features are present during removals along public roads.

O.R. Colan Associates (ORC) continues to serve as I&M’s right-of-way representative on this project.