AEP Ohio announces $4.2 billion transmission project for data center

American Electric Power's Ohio unit announced plans for $4.2 billion in new electric transmission infrastructure to support a 10-gigawatt data center campus at a former gaseous diffusion plant site in Piketon, Ohio.

The project involves partnerships with the U.S. Department of Energy and SB Energy, with SB Energy committed to funding the transmission investments to avoid rate increases for Ohio customers. AEP Ohio (NASDAQ: AEP) expects power delivery to begin in 2029.

The infrastructure will include new 765-kilovolt transmission lines to serve the data center development. Marc Reitter, AEP Ohio president, stated the transmission facilities are essential for the project and will support regional investment while protecting ratepayers from associated costs.

AEP operates the largest transmission network in the United States and has been using 765-kV transmission technology since 1969. The high-voltage lines can move six times more energy than 345-kV lines.

Initial transmission line route planning is underway, with community engagement planned for feedback collection. The Ohio Power Siting Board will oversee permitting, requiring public input, environmental impact studies, and socioeconomic analysis.

AEP Ohio serves 1.5 million customers across 61 counties and is based in Gahanna, Ohio. Parent company American Electric Power operates 40,000 miles of transmission lines and serves 5.6 million customers in 11 states.

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