New Liberty - East Leipsic138-kV Upgrade Project

This project involves:

• Upgrading about 20 miles of 34.5-kilovolt (kV) transmission line to 138-kV standards
• Replacing aging wooden poles with single steel poles and new wire
• Retiring the McComb Substation and building Rader Road Substation on the same property
• Expanding East Leipsic Substation

The project strengthens the local electric system by replacing infrastructure that has shown significant deterioration resulting in service interruptions. Upgrading the power line voltage ensures the transmission network supports additional electric load growth in the area. A stronger transmission grid also benefits local distribution companies and electric cooperatives who receive power from the transmission lines.

Company representatives plan to rebuild a majority of the power line in or near the existing right-of-way, which may require acquiring new or updating existing property easements. Route options are being evaluated in a few areas.

Summer 2025: AEP representatives filed the application for the New Liberty-East Leipsic 138-kV Upgrade Project, Case No. 22-0856-EL-BTX with the Ohio Power Siting Board (OPSB). The OPSB approved the application in March 2023. Landowners along the proposed route can expect to hear from right-of-way agents to discuss field activities and easements.

Project Map (PDF)