A developer is proposing roughly 220 miles of new electric transmission infrastructure running from the Indiana-Ohio line into Guernsey County, a project that could affect several central Ohio counties.
According to Grid Growth, the plan calls for four 765-kilovolt transmission lines and one 345-kilovolt line. The company says the 765-kilovolt lines would be the largest in use in North America, with above-ground structures between 150 and 200 feet tall. Franklin, Madison, Union and Pickaway counties are among those in the project area.
PJM Interconnection, which manages the regional electric grid, chose Grid Growth in February to develop the project. The stated goals are adding capacity and improving reliability. Grid Growth spokesperson Scott Blake said the region needs to prepare for growing electricity demand, citing data centers, electrification and emerging technologies, and said the company expects property tax and construction job benefits for host communities.
At a Thursday open house in Marysville, Union County residents Jennings Heflin and Garrett Leeds voiced concerns about possible routes. Heflin said he worries about property value; Leeds said a line through the family farm would be troubling.
Grid Growth said it is gathering feedback during an early planning phase, and no final route has been selected. Public comment for this phase runs through Oct. 15. The company plans to narrow study segments later this year and announce a preferred route in early 2027, followed by more meetings. Another public input session is scheduled for Monday at the Franklin County Fairgrounds' Edwards Building from 4 to 7:30 p.m.