A major electric transmission project could bring new, high-voltage power lines through parts of Champaign County, with some local landowners already receiving letters about the project.
The Grid Growth West project calls for three new transmission lines across western and central Ohio. The project includes two 765-kilovolt lines and one 345-kilovolt line, with portions planned through Champaign County.
The project is being developed by Grid Growth Ventures, a partnership involving Transource Energy and FirstEnergy Transmission. PJM, which oversees the regional electric grid, selected the company to develop the project.
Where could the lines go?
Several preliminary routes are being considered across the area, with a central substation proposed in northeastern Clark County. Potential routes could run through or around Mechanicsburg, St. Paris, Mutual, Woodstock and south of Urbana, among other areas.
The potential routes are part of the Greentown–Thistlewood Study Segment and the Thistlewood–Marysville Study Segment.
The routes are not final and could change as the project moves forward. Route options will be evaluated based on engineering needs, environmental concerns, land use, topography, and input from residents and landowners.
A typical 765-kilovolt structure would be about 175 feet tall, with a right-of-way around 180 feet wide. The 345-kilovolt structures would typically be 130 to 150 feet tall, with a right-of-way around 150 feet wide.
What does it mean for landowners?
Property owners could be affected if a final route crosses their land. Grid Growth says it will work directly with landowners and provide opportunities to ask questions and give feedback.
Ohio law also allows utilities to seek property rights for transmission projects, including through eminent domain in certain circumstances.
Local commissioners do not control where the lines are ultimately placed. The project involves PJM, the Ohio Power Siting Board and the companies developing the transmission lines.
Why is the project being proposed?
Grid Growth and PJM say Ohio’s electricity demand is growing and the existing transmission system will need additional capacity to maintain reliability.
The company says the project could:
- Improve electric reliability
- Increase transmission capacity
- Support future growth and development
- Reduce congestion on the power grid
- Create construction jobs and opportunities for local businesses
Public meeting planned
Residents will have an opportunity to learn more about the project and provide feedback during a local open house on Wednesday, Sept. 23, from 4 to 7:30 p.m. at the Champaign County Fairgrounds Activities Building, 384 Park Avenue in Urbana.
For now, officials and residents are encouraged to treat the maps as preliminary. The final routes have not been selected, and the project remains subject to the state approval process.
All information comes from gridgrowthventures.com.
