Transource Energy and FirstEnergy Transmission Joint Venture Approved for Major Electric Transmission Project in Central Ohio
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On February 16, 2026, Transource Energy, a partnership between American Electric Power Company, Inc. and Evergy, Inc., along with FirstEnergy Transmission, LLC, announced that they have received approval from PJM Interconnection for a major electric transmission project in central Ohio. This project is part of PJM's 2025 Regional Transmission Expansion Plan (RTEP) and is designed to address critical infrastructure needs in the rapidly growing Columbus region.
The project will involve the construction of approximately 300 miles of new 765-kilovolt (kV) transmission lines and upgrades to several substations. The significance of the 765-kV lines lies in their capacity; one such line can power up to two million homes, which is a substantial increase in the region's power delivery capabilities. This consolidation of power into a single corridor is expected to reduce land use by half compared to multiple lower voltage lines, thereby minimizing environmental impacts.
The approval of this project is particularly timely, as the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is advocating for efficient and cost-effective regional transmission development. The collaboration between Transource and FirstEnergy aims to leverage their combined expertise to deliver solutions that meet the increasing power demands driven by economic growth, including the rise of manufacturing facilities, data centers, and electric vehicles in the area.
Doug Cannon, President of AEP Transmission, emphasized the importance of this project in addressing the evolving energy demands in the region. He noted that AEP has a strong track record in developing 765-kV transmission lines, which positions them well to enhance service reliability and support economic growth. Mark Mroczynski, President of FirstEnergy Transmission, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the strategic location of their transmission system at the center of regional growth, which will facilitate economic development and energy reliability.
The implications of this project extend beyond immediate power delivery improvements. As the Columbus region continues to grow, the demand for reliable electricity will only increase. This project is expected to play a crucial role in ensuring that the energy infrastructure can support future economic activities and population growth. The development of such high-capacity transmission lines is essential for accommodating the anticipated influx of electric vehicles and the expansion of data centers, which are significant consumers of electricity.
The joint venture's ability to deliver this project on time and within budget will be critical in determining its success and the potential for future collaborations in similar projects. Additionally, the project's alignment with federal regulatory encouragement for regional transmission development may set a precedent for future initiatives aimed at enhancing grid reliability and capacity across the United States.
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