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Mills Gap Reliability and Line Relocation Project

Mills Gap Reliability and Line Relocation Project

Project Overview

To accommodate N.C. Department of Transportation's (NCDOT) widening project for Mills Gap Road in south Asheville, existing Duke Energy distribution line infrastructure will need to be relocated.

Separately, Duke Energy will be constructing a new electrical substation at the corner of Mills Gap Road and Sweeten Creek Road. To connect this substation to the grid, a new transmission tap line will be built that will run 1.5 miles southeast along Mills Gap Road to the existing transmission corridor located near Paul Williams Lane.

This part of the project won't begin until after NCDOT has widened Mills Gap Road. For further details on the project schedule, please see the timeline below.

These projects are a result of Buncombe County and south Asheville experiencing steady growth and an increased demand for electricity over the past several years. To help meet the community’s growing energy needs and provide the reliable, affordable and increasingly clean energy our customers deserve, these upgrades are essential.

Please see below for some of the frequently asked questions.

Project Map

Mills Gap Reliability Project Route Map

Benefits for the Community

  • Helps provide reliable, increasingly clean electricity

    The project will help ensure a reliable grid in the Buncombe County area.

  • Helps improve reliability

    Helps accommodate fluctuating demand and improve resiliency during severe weather.

  • Better serves current and growing energy needs

    Addresses the need for additional electric capacity in Buncombe County.

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Project Timeline

*Timelines are subject to change based on factors such as weather, availability of crews and equipment, including NCDOT’s road widening project schedule, or other unforeseen circumstances that may impact the schedule
  • Preconstruction Activities: 2022-2023
  • Construction: Fall 2024

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We Want to Hear From You

Your feedback is important to us. While we will provide ongoing updates, we want to be a resource for you. For more information, please call us at 800.365.8979 or send us an email at CarolinasTransmissionEnhancements@duke-energy.com. We’ll address your comments and concerns in a timely fashion.
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Frequently Asked Questions