Generating Grid Reliability with 765kV

Since 1961, AEP has been at the forefront of innovation in power transmission, pioneering the development of Extra High Voltage (EHV) 765 kilovolt (kV) transmission lines, the highest voltage level in North America. This transmission backbone is critical for connecting customers to reliable, diverse generation sources that power homes and businesses 24/7/365.

AEP energized its first 765 kV line 56 years ago, connecting the Don Marquis and Baker electric stations in Ohio. AEP's efforts were enhanced by the launch of the John E. Dolan Laboratory in 1987, which focused on advancing in-house research and development.

EHV transmission lines provide significant benefits to the electric grid, including:

• More Power, Fewer Lines: A single 765 kV circuit carries up to six times the power of a 345 kV line, reducing the number of lines needed and minimizing environmental impact.
• Superior Efficiency: With half the transmission losses of lower voltage systems, 765 kV lines deliver electricity more efficiently over long distances.
• Smaller Overall Footprint: Requires less right-of-way than equivalent 345 kV systems, preserving landscapes and reducing construction costs of multiple 345 kV lines.

Today, AEP operates more than 2,200 miles of 765 kV transmission lines - the largest network in the country - supported by over 8,000 structures that span diverse terrain. This transmission infrastructure serves as a catalyst for economic development and supports AEP's efforts to meet the growing energy needs of customers.

With the recent announcement of the Howard-Solstice Transmission line project, one of the first to be built in the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), AEP Transmission is set to leverage its extensive experience and proven track record as it continues to shape the future of power transmission for generations to come.