I NVESTING I N T RANSMISSION INVESTMENT IN TRANSMISSION NEEDED NOW As the largest builder, owner, and operator of transmission in North America, we need to make investments in our vast and aging transmission system to ensure customer reliability. This is an industry-wide concern for electric companies, many who have made major investments in power generation in past years to comply with federal regulations. Strengthening the Infrastructure Our transmission system is part of an electrical machine dating back as long as a century. Many parts built in the early 20th century are deteriorating in performance, despite continued costly maintenance and periodic investment. Since 2012, we’ve been engaged in an infrastructure investment program to strengthen, improve and modernize our 11 state transmission system. We operate part of a larger power grid which includes older equipment at a higher risk of failure and more susceptible to harsh weather-related stressors than newer, physically stronger transmission. We’re investing approximately $8.1 billion between 2021-2025 to add modernized design standards to enhance reliability, efficiency and resiliency for protection against threats. Our data indicates after investment in aging infrastructure customer outages are reduced by 97 percent – as compared with performance prior to the improvement. A Grid that Meets Today’s Technological Needs Sections of the power grid must be upgraded or re-built to integrate with today’s digital and other newer technology. This includes being able to incorporate increasing amounts of renewable energy. Monitoring equipment and telecommunications for physical and cybersecurity must meet today’s needs. Our Advanced Studies & Technology group evaluates system performance and conditions of aging transmission equipment to identify and prioritize which portions should be replaced to provide the most customer benefit. Other impacts of transmission investment: A robust transmission system supports growth and attracts industry and jobs. The $9- billion investment in between 2017-2019 is estimated to provide $12.7 billion in economic activity – supporting 34,000 jobs, nearly $13 billion in economic activities, and providing more than $600 million in additional state and local tax revenues. Around 70 percent of all goods and services for transmission projects are sourced from within AEP’s 11 state territory, providing wide-reaching economic stimulus. We work with Regional Transmission Organizations (RTOs) to evaluate the system on a continuous basis to determine where and when investments should be made. Careful planning in the construction of transmission projects should allow these investments to have almost no direct effect on individuals. Some communities may see an increase in construction activity as projects are built, however the benefits will accrue almost immediately. B2B & SUPPLIERS RECREATION ENVIRONMENT SAFETY & HEALTH Use of this site constitutes acceptance of the AEP Terms and Conditions. © 1996-2021 American Electric Power Company, Inc. All Rights Reserved. REQUIRED INTERNET POSTINGS | SITEMAP | DO NOT SELL MY PERSONAL INFO | PRIVACY POLICY