PJM approves joint transmission project for central Ohio grid

Regional grid operator PJM Interconnection has approved a major electric transmission project for central Ohio developed jointly by Transource Energy and FirstEnergy Transmission. The PJM Board of Managers granted approval for the project, which was proposed through PJM's 2025 Regional Transmission Expansion Plan Open Window process in August.

The project includes approximately 300 miles of new 765-kilovolt lines and upgrades to several substations in the greater Columbus region. The companies will develop the project through Grid Growth Ventures, a recently formed joint venture.

Transource Energy is a partnership between American Electric Power Company (NASDAQ: AEP) and Evergy, with AEP owning 86.5% and Evergy holding 13.5%. FirstEnergy Transmission is jointly owned by FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE) and Brookfield Super-Core Infrastructure Partners.

"AEP has built and owns more extra-high voltage lines than any other company in the U.S.," said Doug Cannon, President of AEP Transmission. "The project we're undertaking with FirstEnergy addresses the rapidly evolving energy demand we are seeing across the region."

Mark Mroczynski, President of FirstEnergy Transmission, stated that their transmission system is "ideally situated at the center of regional growth, making it a powerful platform for economic development and energy reliability."

PJM Interconnection coordinates wholesale electricity transportation across 13 states including Ohio. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has been encouraging efficient regional transmission development, according to the companies' statement.

AEP expects to invest $72 billion from 2026 through 2030 and operates approximately 40,000 miles of transmission lines. FirstEnergy serves more than six million customers across six states and operates approximately 24,000 miles of transmission lines.

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