Grid Growth Ventures hosted a Wednesday open house at the Champaign County Fairgrounds Activities Building to discuss its proposed Grid Growth West transmission project with residents and landowners.
The plan involves three transmission lines across western and central Ohio: two at 765 kilovolts and one at 345 kilovolts. Portions could pass through Champaign County, with routes being examined near Mechanicsburg, St. Paris, Mutual, Woodstock and south of Urbana.
Company representatives were on hand throughout the event. An updated map displayed possible corridors under review, not final routes, and officials said not every line or option shown will be constructed.
Named elements include the Greentown-Thistlewood and Thistlewood-Marysville 765-kilovolt lines and the Thistlewood-Beatty 345-kilovolt line. A central substation is proposed for northeastern Clark County. Grid Growth says the project aims to bolster the regional transmission system, add capacity and address projected electricity demand growth.
Spokesperson Scott Blake discussed the project and the open house's purpose.
The effort is in early stages. Route studies, field surveys and engineering are expected to continue through spring 2027, with more public meetings in early 2027. Grid Growth plans to file with the Ohio Power Siting Board in spring 2027, with a decision anticipated later that year. Construction could start in late 2027, and service is anticipated in summer 2030.