Indiana Michigan Power is planning an electric transmission grid improvement project for the Benton Harbor and St. Joseph areas.
I&M spokesperson Schnee Doyle tells us the utility is planning to rebuild about six miles of high voltage transmission lines between its Main Street substation on West Main Street in Benton Harbor and its Hickory Creek substation near North Trail Lane in St. Joseph.
Doyle says the project will begin in 2028 and will also include the replacement of old utility poles throughout the area.
“So we plan to replace those existing wooden poles in operation since the 1930s with more robust steel poles, and that’s going to upgrade the line to modern engineering and operational standards, as well as this will improve reliability for our customers,” Doyle said. “It could help prevent future outages.”
If the work doesn’t start until 2028, why is I&M telling everyone now?
“We just want to get the word out ahead of time to let people know that this project is happening and you may see our crews in the area preparing the specific area for construction activities. You may see us in the community talking to customers, informing them of this project.”
The project will also include the relocation of 0.5 miles of transmission line between Fisherman’s Road and Industrial Court and the restringing of overhead power lines across the St. Joseph River.
Doyle says this is part of a major effort to improve reliability for decades into the future. I&M has launched a webpage explaining the project.
