Stuart Area Improvements: Stuart - Willis GapTransmission Line Project

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Appalachian Power officials plan to upgrade the local power grid.

The Stuart - Willis Gap Transmission Line Project involves:

• Building approximately 22 miles of electric transmission line
• Building two new substations
• Retiring the Stuart substation

Retiring aging equipment, installing modern equipment and upgrading facilities reduces the need for frequent equipment maintenance and improves electric service reliability. Installing the additional power source ensures continued electric service to customers if the existing transmission line experiences an extended power outage.

We are committed to keeping you informed about this project while also keeping customers and employees safe and healthy during COVID-19. Please review the information on this website and click on the virtual open house button at the right to learn more about the project. We also invite you to view our project maps and interactive map above. Please use Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, Firefox, or Safari internet browsers for the best user experience. You may submit comments and questions about the project by using the form at the bottom of this page.

We are accepting feedback through Friday, November 12. We welcome and encourage your feedback.

Project Updates

01/31/22: Appalachian Power representatives are still working to determine a proposed line route for the Stuart –Willis Gap Transmission Line Project. The project team is reviewing feedback from the open houses held last fall and is conducting field visits.

10/06/2021: Appalachian Power invites community members and landowners in the project area to learn more at a pair of upcoming open houses.

Both open houses will provide an opportunity for residents to meet and talk with project representatives. Residents may join the four-hour meeting at any time and at a location that is most convenient to them. There is no formal presentation at either open house.

Wednesday, October 20, from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Stuart Rotary Field, 420 Woodland Drive (Hooker Building), Stuart, VA 24171

Thursday, October 21, from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Ararat Ruritan Club, 4711 Ararat Highway, Ararat, VA 24053

Project team members plan to wear face coverings at the in-person open houses and encourage those who plan to attend the in-person events to also wear face coverings. For the safety of the community and the project team, those who are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or are feeling unwell please consider attending one of the virtual town halls to learn more about the project.

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We also plan to host two live virtual town hall events featuring a presentation from the Appalachian Power project team, followed by a Q&A session:

Thursday, October 28, 2021 from noon – 1 p.m.

If joining by phone, dial 1-415-655-0001 and enter the following access code when prompted: 2438 072 6918

If joining online, visit AppalachianPower.com/StuartTownHall1, Event password: Stuart

Thursday, October 28, 2021 from 5 – 6 p.m.

If joining by phone, dial 1-415-655-0001 and enter the following access code when prompted: 2436 288 2978

If joining online, visit AppalachianPower.com/ StuartTownHall2, Event password: Stuart

Project Releases

News Release - October 6, 2021 (PDF)

Map

Project Map (PDF)

Timeline

Structures

Project Maps