East of Warren Substation Pole Replacements

Reliability is a responsibility that Duke Energy Ohio, Inc. (Duke Energy Ohio) takes very seriously. As part of our dedication to build a smarter energy framework, Duke Energy Ohio will be making improvements to approximately 15 miles of 138-kilovolt (kV) transmission line from Duke Energy's Warren Substation, located at 765 W Turtlecreek Union Road, in Lebanon, to the Clinton Substation in Blanchester. Portions of this project run through the City of Lebanon, Salem Township, Washington Township, Harlan Township and Union Township in Warren County, and the Village of Blanchester in Clinton County.

Project Need

Through our continuous assessment of the electric system, we have identified the need to replace approximately 40 utility poles on a 138-kV electric transmission line. This investment will address modern standards and will support the reliability of the electric transmission line that supplies energy to your community's homes, schools, hospitals and businesses.

Project Description

One portion of the project involves the replacement of 23 H-frame structures east of Warren Substation in Lebanon (Warren County). Nineteen of these structures are 2-pole H-frames and the others are 3-pole H-frame designs. The wood utility poles will be replaced with similar steel poles equal to or 5 feet taller than the present construction.

Because a portion of the project involves significantly different elevations and crossing Todd Fork, three of the 3-pole H-frame structures will be bolted into concrete foundations to support the transmission line, and one will be directly embedded without foundations. The structures are 60 feet in height and the foundations on the related structures are approximately two feet above ground and approximately 37 inches at their base. The new poles on all structures will be installed within 5-to-10 feet of the present location.

Duke Energy Ohio is proposing vegetation clearing for the project to start in February 2021, and construction on the concrete foundations to begin in August 2021. Construction is expected to begin in October 2021 and be completed by December 2021.

A notice to construct, operate and maintain this electric transmission line project is now pending before the Ohio Power Siting Board (OPSB) in Columbus, Ohio.

View a copy of the application. A paper copy will be provided upon request. To obtain a paper copy, please contact 888.827.5116.

The second part of the pole replacement project is just under 3 miles in Clinton County and runs about 1,400 feet short of the Clinton Substation at 3221 State Route 28 West in Blanchester. This section involves replacing 18 two-pole H-frames with steel poles that are equal to or five-feet taller than the present wood poles. The new poles will be installed within 5-to-10 feet of the present location.

Benefits to the Community

• Improves electrical system reliability
• Better addresses the impact of severe weather in the city
• Maintains a robust system for supplying and delivering energy, which is integral to ensuring the continued economic growth and prosperity of the community
• Improves power quality and reliability for decades to come

Engagement

Community engagement allows us to receive input and to share information about this project.

Property owners first received notification about this project in a letter sent on June 10, 2020.