Kokomo Industrial Transmission Line Project

Overview

Duke Energy’s electric system is essential in helping to meet the growing energy needs of our customers. We’re also committed to the development, stability and economic growth of the region. With that in mind, we are building a new transmission line to connect a new substation in Kokomo, Ind., to the power grid.

In October 2023, Stellantis NV and Samsung SDI announced that Kokomo, Ind., will be the site for a new $2.5 billion electric vehicle (EV) battery manufacturing plant. It’s the state’s first lithium-ion battery manufacturing plant and only the second such facility in the U.S. The joint-venture is called StarPlus Energy and will be located in a 2.4-million-square-foot facility being built on the city's northeast side. The business is expected to create about 1,400 new jobs in Howard County when it opens in 2025.

About the Project

The Kokomo Industrial Transmission Line Project includes the construction of a 69-kilovolt (kV) transmission line that will connect to a new substation that will serve the current and potential future customers on the northeast side of the city. The Kokomo Industrial South Substation will be located south of the intersection of Touby Pike and U.S. 31, and bound on the southside by County Road North 250 East. The transmission tap line will connect the new Kokomo Industrial Substation to an existing transmission line on Touby Pike. Connecting the new substation to the transmission line will help maintain the reliability of electric service.

Route Selection Update

After careful consideration of the feedback received and extensive evaluation of other factors, such as land use, engineering, ecological and cultural considerations, we have concluded our study and selected the preferred route for the new 69-kV transmission line. We believe the route will have the least overall impact on property owners, the community and the environment. Building this transmission line helps Duke Energy to fulfill our obligation to provide reliable electric service to your community.

The transmission tap line will originate just south of East Morgan Street and head north along the east side of Touby Pike to the new Kokomo Industrial South Substation.  The preferred route is shown on the map below.

View more detailed version of map.

Key Project Dates*

• October 2024: Project announcement
  
• October – Nov. 19, 2024: Public comment period
  
• Early 2025: Preferred route announcement
  
• Spring – Summer 2025: Easement acquisitions
  
• 2026: Construction
  
• December 2026: Project completion

*Timeline subject to change.

Engagement

Community engagement is an essential part of our siting process. It allows us to receive public input and share information with the community about this project.

The preferred route was selected after receiving feedback from property owners and the community, as well as an evaluation of other factors such as land use, ecological and cultural resources, and the complexity of engineering and construction.