Apco Plans Power Line Upgrade In McDowell County

Appalachian Power plans to spend $80M to upgrade electric transmission infrastructure in McDowell County.

The project includes retiring and removing 35 miles of 88-kilovolt transmission line and upgrading about 17 miles of a 34.5- to 88-kilovolt transmission line to 138 kilovolts, the company said in a news release.

Two substations will be removed and three new substations will be built. Improvements are planned at other substations.

Appalachian Power also plans to replace wood H-frame tower structures with steel structures.

The project is expected to be completed in 2017, pending approval by the Public Service Commission.

An informational workshop on the project is set for Feb. 27 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Southside Middle School in War.