Appalachian Power announced a new project Thursday meant to increase electric reliability in Cabell and Lincoln counties.
The project will include a $20 million investment in the company's transmission grid and the building of a substation and about four miles of transmission line, according to a news release from the power company.
The need for the upgrade was identified last year when extreme winter weather tested reliability, the release states.
The new transmission line will originate from an existing line just south of Culloden and run southwest through Cabell County, crossing Charleys Creek and Little Twomile Creek roads. It will end at the proposed substation located east of East Mud River Road.
Construction is expected to begin next fall and be completed by the end of 2017. The company says it will work closely with landowners to minimize damage to the community and environment.
"The proposed project will reduce the likelihood of power outages to customers by establishing a more modern and robust transmission grid," Steven Stewart, external affairs director for AEP, said in the release.
For more information about the project, visit www.aeptransmission.com/westvirginia/SECabell/.