Centerton To Wilbur

Electricity is part of our everyday lives and a product we rely on with an expectation of uninterrupted service. The existing electric delivery infrastructure has been in place for quite some time and is approaching an age where it must be updated and rebuilt. Adding assets such as this new line ensures reliability and resiliency, along with accommodations for future technologies.

More than 3,400 members in the areas of Wilbur, Monrovia, Mooresville, and Beech Grove are served by a single 10-mile transmission line, which feeds the Wilbur Substation. The new line from the Duke Energy Centerton Substation to Wilbur Substation will add a second supply to improve reliability to the system and help reduce outages. The new line also supports future load growth in the area and adds capacity to the system.

Considerable improvements in outage duration and frequency are expected, with Hoosier Energy being able to quickly isolate storm outages and restore customer service.

The new line will allow Hoosier Energy to better maintain the existing system, while also supporting future transmission projects.

An area for the study of prospective solutions was defined, and four potential routes were identified.

The routes were studied for constraints and opportunities based on environmental, social and engineering factors using available data, layers and aerial photography. The collected data was entered into the weighted scoring matrix, with the lowest total representing the best scored route for the new line. Route 4 had the lowest score.

Hoosier Energy will host two open houses in June 2023. Preconstruction activities will take place thereafter including surveying, real estate, engineering, permitting and ordering materials. We project construction will take place in late 2024 and continue into 2025. This includes vegetation management, constructing access to the line, foundation and line construction, and restoration.

Hoosier Energy employees and approved contractors and consultants will be on-site. They will be easily identifiable by their logos and materials. You will be contacted if your property is part of the project.

Hoosier Energy Real Estate specialists, employees or their consultants and contractors, will be reaching out to landowners should an easement be necessary on your property.

An easement is a legal agreement that gives utilities the right to use (not own) specific portions of land for certain purposes. Easements are recorded on the property deed and remain in effect after properties are sold or transferred to a new owner.

Easement area widths for this project are expected to be 100 feet, however roadside areas could be less.

Hoosier Energy will need to trim or remove trees and vegetation to prevent contact or interference with line operations. This will allow access for ongoing maintenance and outage restoration as well as provide a visual opening for regular aerial patrols. Vegetation specialists will be reaching out to landowners as needed.

The new poles are constructed of steel or ductile iron and will be “H” frame or single poles. Height of the poles will be determined with final design, but they are typically 70 to 100 feet above ground. Final design will also determine if foundations are needed, particularly at highway and river crossings. Steel and ductile poles are found to be more reliable than their wood counterparts and typically require less maintenance.

Electromagnetic fields (EMF) with transmission lines are low frequency and have not been found to be linked to adverse health conditions.

Although environmental factors were thoroughly considered during the routing analysis, Hoosier Energy will continue to survey and investigate during various stages of the project to minimize impacts, comply with regulations, and protect the environment throughout construction and long-term operations and maintenance. Hoosier Energy will ensure any disturbance is minimized, stabilized and restored throughout the construction process.

Typical work hours will be during daylight but will also be weather dependent. Foundations and stringing conductor may require additional hours. Crews will access the structures multiple times throughout construction.

Hoosier Energy and their contractors will work with property owners to ensure safe access to their property. Hoosier Energy construction representatives will be available to discuss. Traffic control companies will be utilized as needed for safe roadway access.

Hoosier Energy performs environmental surveys and assessments in coordination with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to minimize project impacts and comply with environmental regulations. This includes state and federal protected or endangered species as well as the associated habitat. Tree clearing for the project will take place during the inactive bat season of October 1 to March 31 in compliance with federal regulations.