ASHLAND, Ky., Nov. 15, 2022 – Kentucky Power officials plan upgrades to the electric transmission system in Pike County and are hosting an in-person open house to share the proposed upgrades with the community.
The Myra Substation and Transmission Line Project involves building approximately 3 miles of 138-kilovolt (kV) electric transmission line, constructing the new 138-kV Myra Substation, retiring approximately 10.5 miles of 46-kV transmission line and retiring the 46-kV Elwood Substation.
This project allows crews to retire existing 1930s transmission line that has experienced multiple power outages in recent years. Building the new Myra Substation allows crews to retire outdated, damaged equipment at the Elwood Substation. These upgrades strengthen the local electric system and increase electric reliability for area customers.
The project begins along Kentucky State Highway 610 in Myra and continues northeast to the proposed Myra Substation site south of Jonancy, along Kentucky State Highway 610 and near Doc Bill Branch Road.
Landowners and community members are invited to an in-person open house to speak with project team members, review route options and provide input. The event is scheduled for Tuesday, December 6, from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. in the Shelby Valley High School Student Center, located at 125 Douglas Park in Pikeville.
For the safety of the community and the project team, those who are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or are feeling unwell are asked to please consider visiting the virtual open house at KentuckyPower.com/Myra. Area landowners can expect to receive a packet in the mail that includes additional project details and a comment card they can return with their feedback.
Kentucky Power representatives plan to evaluate route options for the transmission line based on public input and feasibility. Landowner feedback is important as the project team works to minimize impacts to the community and provide continued reliable electric service. The project team requests all feedback by Wednesday, January 4.
This project requires company officials to file an application with the Kentucky Public Service Commission in spring 2023. If the project receives approval, company representatives expect construction to begin in July 2024 and conclude in November 2025.