LOGAN COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Appalachian Power representatives are hosting a community open house to share plans for an upcoming electric transmission project in Logan County.
The Becco Area Transmission Improvements Project involves:
- Building about 7 miles of 138-kilovolt (kV) transmission line
- Building about 10 miles of 69-kV transmission line to be operated at 46-kV standards
- Retiring 24 miles of 46-kV transmission line
- Building the proposed Argyle and Tin Branch substations
- Retiring the Pine Gap and Dehue substations
Crews plan to replace a transmission line from the 1930s that consists of deteriorating wooden poles with modern steel poles and new wires to meet current operational needs. The project strengthens the electric grid by installing modern equipment and additional power sources. These enhancements reduce community-sustained outages and improve electric reliability for area customers.
“By retiring this 90-year-old power line and building new substations with modern equipment, we are able to increase area service reliability for our customers and reduce the number of temporary outages in the Whitman and Argyle areas,” said George Porter, Appalachian Power spokesperson.
The upgrades begin at the proposed Argyle Substation off Vocational Road in the city of Lyburn and end at the existing Becco Substation located off Intersection 14 and 16. Plans also include building the Tin Branch Substation off Whitman Creek Road in Logan.
Appalachian Power representatives invite community members and landowners in the project area to attend an in-person open house scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 24, from 5 – 7 p.m. at Man High School gymnasium, located at 800 East McDonald Ave, Man.
Residents are encouraged to attend the open house to review project details, talk with project representatives and provide feedback on route options. There is no formal presentation, so attendees can arrive at any time during the two-hour event.
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. Landowners are encouraged to provide input by Wednesday, January 25.
The project team plans to use input from landowners and additional field work to determine a power line route that minimizes impact on the community and environment.
Company representatives expect construction to begin fall 2025 and conclude spring 2027. Additional details are available at AppalachianPower.com/BeccoArea.