Appalachian Power representatives plan upgrades to the electric transmission system in Grayson County. The Independence Area Project: Transmission Line Upgrades involves building about 15 miles of 69-kilovolt (kV) transmission line. The upgrades provide a second source of power, increasing reliability for area customers. Company representatives expect construction to begin spring 2023 and conclude summer 2024.
05/05/22: Company representatives have determined a proposed power line route after reviewing land use, environmental impact and community input provided during an in-person open house held last fall. Landowners along the proposed line route can expect to hear from Appalachian Power’s right-of-way representative on the project."
01/31/22: Appalachian Power representatives are still working to determine a proposed line route. The project team is reviewing feedback from the open house and conducting field visits.
11/03/2021: Appalachian Power invites community members and landowners in the project area to an in-person open house on Tuesday, November 16th from 5 p.m.- 8 p.m. at Grayson County High School, 110 Blue Devil Drive, Independence, VA 24348
News Release - November 3, 2021 (PDF)
Crews plan to build the line using mainly steel H-frames or single-pole structures depending on the route selected and final engineering. At certain locations, crews could use lattice towers, or three-pole structures.
Structure Height: Approximately 85 feet*
Right-of-Way Width: Approximately 100 feet*
* Exact structure, height and right-of-way may vary
Appalachian Power serves approximately 1 million customers in West Virginia, Virginia and Tennessee.