Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) announced plans to invest $266 million to upgrade the electric transmission system across five northern Indiana counties -- St. Joseph, LaPorte, Starke, Pulaski, and White.

The project includes rebuilding the Olive-Reynolds 345-kilovolt (kV) Transmission Line and modernizing the Olive Substation, both key components of the region's grid. The initiative will replace infrastructure that dates back to the 1950s, improving reliability and capacity for growing communities.

According to I&M, approximately 68 miles of 345 kV transmission lines will be rebuilt between the Olive Substation near New Carlisle and the Reynolds Substation in Reynolds. An additional 2 miles of lines will be relocated near Monon.

Upgrades at the Olive Substation will include new, more resilient equipment and the replacement of outdated towers with BOLD Lattice structures -- an American Electric Power (AEP) engineering innovation designed to enhance efficiency and reduce environmental impact.

"The Olive-Reynolds 345 kV Transmission Line Rebuild reflects the growing Indiana landscape," said Mona Livingston, I&M customer services manager. "In recent years, there has been an upward trend in economic development adding new residents and businesses in the area."

Construction is scheduled to begin in winter 2027 and conclude by spring 2031.

Source: dailyenergyinsider.com