Athens AreaImprovements Project

AEP Ohio representatives plan to upgrade the electric transmission network serving customers in Athens County.

The Athens Area Improvements Project involves:

• Building approximately 1.5 miles of 138-kilovolt (kV) power line.
• Upgrading about 6.5 miles of 69-kV power line to 138-kV power line.
• Retiring approximately 15 miles of transmission facilities.
• Upgrading Lee Substation located off Virginia Street in Albany and Elliott Substation located off Blackburn Road in Athens.

Upgrading and retiring the existing deteriorating equipment improves the line's performance, increases electric capacity and reduces the need for frequent power line maintenance.

This project requires Ohio Power Siting Borad (OPSB) approval.

Summer 2025: AEP Ohio representatives hosted an in-person open house on August 21 in Albany to update landowners on the next steps in the project. If you were unable to attend, our virtual open house is available through the link on the right side of the page.

Landowners are encouraged to submit their feedback about the project by Friday, September 5.

Project team members plan to submit an application to construct this project to the OPSB later this fall.

Athens Area Improvements Project Informational Meeting #2 Notice (published 8-7-25)  (PDF)

Athens Area Improvements Project Informational Meeting #1 Notice (published 11-5-24) (PDF)