Ross Transmission Line Extensions

Transmission lines are a system of electrical wires that carry large amounts of energy over long distances. These wires can run from generation stations to substations where energy is converted to lower distribution levels to serve homes, schools, hospitals and businesses in the community. If you’ve ever heard a reference to the energy grid, that’s the network of the transmission and distribution systems. The Ross Transmission Line Extension Project will help strengthen the energy grid by allowing more flexibility in providing energy to communities in the region, while also improving the company’s ability to reroute power during planned and unplanned outages. This can help support faster restoration following weather events such as extreme summer and winter conditions. View a short video to learn more about the importance of the electric transmission system.

The company first identifies potential corridors and seeks feedback from the community. A corridor is a study area that represents the potential path of a transmission line. The specific transmission routes will be much narrower and located in easements negotiated with property owners. These specific locations will later be determined following public input and further study. This additional study examines land use, connectivity to other power lines, engineering construction and complexity, and ecological and cultural resources, such as wetlands and historic sites.

We are in the preliminary stages of selecting the preferred routes for the transmission line extensions where we’re seeking public input. We hope to finish construction by July 2024.

Duke Energy, like other national utilities, uses steel poles as its standard for transmission projects. Compared to wood poles, steel poles are more reliable during severe weather events. In addition, they require less maintenance and inspection, which means less cost for customers through electric rates. Pole heights will range from 60 to 85 feet above the ground.

Once we select the preferred route for the new transmission lines, we will negotiate with landowners to obtain the required easements – or land rights – for the new transmission lines.

An easement is a legal agreement that gives Duke Energy the right to use, not own, specific portions of land for certain purposes. Easements get recorded on the property deed and remain in effect after properties are sold to a new owner.

Learn more about easements in this short video: 

Easement area widths are expected to be approximately 100 feet. Property owners will be getting direct contacts and will take an active role in negotiations if they are affected by easement acquisition.

An electric transmission switching substation looks a lot like any electric substation, with fenced-in equipment. Unlike a substation that has transformers that convert energy voltages to different levels, a switching substation has no transformers. Instead, it uses switches to operate the transmission lines – changing connections or disconnecting the lines – at their voltages, in this case, 69,000 volts (69-kilovolts). The Ross Substation will be designed to accommodate the installation of transformers to supply the energy needs of the local area should that need ever arise. The station will not need to be expanded to accommodate the transformer installation. This will allow any future needs to be met with minimal to no impact to the community.

Trees and other woody vegetation growing near overhead electric lines can create safety hazards for workers as well as the public when they are at risk of causing an electrical outage. Duke Energy will be directly approaching property owners if tree removal is needed on their property to safely install the transmission line. Additional obstructions – such as fencing, sheds or playground equipment that interfere with the power lines – may also need to be removed, but not before direct conversations with affected property owners.

Learn more about vegetation management in this short video.

Many factors are considered when building a new transmission line. Part of this phase involves gathering information about the project area to properly design the project. Get a look at some of these activities in this short video.

Many studies have examined EMF from power lines, household appliances and other devices with an electric current. After decades of research, scientists have not established a conclusive link between EMF exposure and effects on human health. Learn more about electric and magnetic fields.