Auburn resident expresses concern about the potential route of an I&M power grid project
Correction: The video version of this story worded things to confuse other I&M transmission projects with proposed routes for the Lulu-Sorenson project. This information has been rewritten to be clearer in the web copy and we’ve removed the video version.
AUBURN, Ind. (WPTA) - Indiana Michigan Power representatives are planning to upgrade their power grid.
I&M spokesperson Stephanny Smith said this project is meant to increase the state’s “electric capacity.”
“It needs to be upgraded,” she said. “It needs to be built up to reflect the amount of growth that we’ve seen, and the amount that we know is still to come.”
The Lulu-Sorenson project will impact Huntington, Allen, DeKalb, Steuben, and Whitley counties. Smith says the overall project, which seeks to build 175 ft. towers across 75 miles of land, includes three different segments.
Similar upgrade projects will run through east central Indiana and central Indiana, including a portion of Huntington County.
For all three projects, I&M has shared maps showing multiple route options. The power company is looking for feedback on which line route to choose for each of the three projects.
I&M will pick the exact route for each of the three portions by the end of the year.
Last week, Auburn resident Sonia Stauffer received a letter from I&M in the mail saying her home could be impacted by one of the proposed I&M routes.
“It would take out all the trees that you see,” she said. “It also impedes on farmland that’s behind the trees.”
She said she’s worried all the trees her husband planted in 1997 would disappear.
“I don’t see it being a feasible or good route since it does cut through so much farmland and so many private properties including this one,” she said.
Indiana Michigan Power is hosting identical open houses the next two nights.
Wednesday, company representatives will be in Fort Wayne at the Allen County Memorial Coliseum from 5 to 7 p.m.
Thursday, they’ll be at the Steuben County Event Center near Angola. During those open houses, you can ask questions and give feedback on the plans. I&M is accepting your feedback through October 9.
You can see the proposed maps below.
- Eastern Indiana Grid Reliability Project:
- Greentown-Sorenson Transmission Improvements Project (in central Indiana, including Huntington County):
- Lulu-Sorenson Transmission Improvements Project (in northeast Indiana):
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