Regional grid operator PJM Interconnection has approved a significant electric transmission project in central Ohio, aimed at addressing growing electricity demand and supporting ongoing economic development in the Columbus area. The project was proposed jointly by FirstEnergy Transmission LLC and Transource Energy—a partnership between American Electric Power (AEP) and Evergy, Inc.—through PJM’s 2025 Regional Transmission Expansion Plan Open Window process last August. Approval was granted by the PJM Board of Managers on February 12.
The new venture will be developed through Grid Growth Ventures LLC, combining the expertise of both companies to provide solutions for the region’s increasing power requirements as more manufacturing facilities, data centers, and electric vehicles are introduced.
The plan involves constructing over 300 miles of new 765-kilovolt lines and upgrading multiple substations. This infrastructure is expected to enhance service reliability and foster economic growth opportunities. A single 765-kV line can supply power to two million homes; using lower voltage lines would require a much wider right-of-way. By consolidating power delivery into one corridor, these high-voltage lines are designed to reduce land use impacts.
Key benefits outlined include improved reliability, quicker outage restoration, enhanced infrastructure for attracting businesses, stable energy costs for homes and businesses, and readiness for future energy needs.
Mark Mroczynski, President of FirstEnergy Transmission, stated: “Our transmission system is ideally situated at the center of regional growth, making it a powerful platform for economic development and energy reliability. Through Grid Growth, we’re building the kind of energy infrastructure that powers future generations of new businesses, good jobs and vibrant communities.”
Doug Cannon, President of AEP Transmission added: “AEP has an unrivaled history in 765-kV transmission development. AEP has built and owns more extra-high voltage lines than any other company in the United States. The project we’re undertaking with FirstEnergy Transmission addresses the rapidly evolving energy demand we are seeing across the region and will enable us to continue providing reliable service to our customers and facilitate economic growth by making sure access to power is available.”
This joint venture aligns with current guidance from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), which encourages efficient regional transmission development.
FirstEnergy serves over six million customers across several states including Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, Maryland and New York (source). The company manages about 24,000 miles of transmission lines (source) as well as over 269,000 miles of distribution lines across its service territory. It also focuses on corporate responsibility initiatives aimed at benefiting stakeholders through environmental programs (source).
Transource Energy specializes in competitive electric transmission projects throughout the United States as a partnership between AEP (which holds an 86.5% stake) and Evergy (13.5%). AEP operates nearly 40,000 line miles—the largest such network nationally—and delivers energy to around 5.6 million customers in eleven states.
FirstEnergy highlights its commitment to operating as a progressive utility focused on integrity and reliability with an emphasis on improving customer experiences (source). The company has received recognition for compliance leadership along with awards for environmental efforts (source).
Contact information for news media representatives from both FirstEnergy and AEP was provided along with details about investor relations contacts.
