USA, Ohio, Akron: Regional grid operator PJM Interconnection has approved a significant electric transmission project aimed at meeting rising power demand in central Ohio. The development was jointly proposed by FirstEnergy Transmission LLC and Transource Energy, a partnership between American Electric Power and Evergy, Inc.
Plans include building more than 480 km (300 mi) of new 765-kV transmission lines and upgrading several substations. A single 765-kV line can supply power to around two million homes, while using significantly less land than multiple lower-voltage lines. By concentrating power within one corridor, the design reduces environmental impact and land use.
The project was submitted through PJM’s 2025 Regional Transmission Expansion Plan Open Window process and received approval from the PJM Board of Managers on 12 February. PJM oversees the movement of wholesale electricity across a 13-state region that includes Ohio.
The companies will move forward through their newly created joint venture, Grid Growth Ventures LLC. The partnership aims to combine resources and expertise to meet increasing electricity needs as more manufacturing plants, data centres and electric vehicles come online in the greater Columbus area.
The project will deliver more dependable service, quicker restoration during outages, and infrastructure that supports business expansion and long-term economic growth.
Federal regulators, including the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, have encouraged more efficient regional transmission planning, supporting collaborative efforts such as this one.
Source: First Energy
