Fairfield County residents invited to weigh in on power line project

Fairfield County residents will have an opportunity to provide input on the proposed Grid Growth 765-kilovolt Transmission Line Project during an open house in Lancaster, Ohio, on October 1. This event is part of a series of public meetings designed to gather feedback on the project's plans to enhance Ohio's electric grid.

The project, developed by Grid Growth Ventures, a joint venture between Transource Energy LLC and FirstEnergy Transmission LLC, involves approximately 220 miles of new transmission infrastructure. It is intended to improve reliability, increase transmission capacity, and support the state's growing electricity demand, which is attributed in part to data centers, electrification, and other emerging technologies.

The Grid Growth East portion of the project includes Fairfield, Pickaway, Coshocton, Muskingum, and Guernsey counties, with plans for two new 765-kilovolt transmission lines. A western segment will span Darke, Shelby, Miami, Champaign, Clark, Madison, Union, and Franklin counties. PJM Interconnection, the regional grid operator, selected Grid Growth in February for this development, forecasting a significant increase in electricity demand by 2032.

Stacey Burbure, president of Grid Growth Ventures, emphasized the need for a robust transmission system to safely and reliably move power as demand grows. Project officials will use the public feedback to develop preliminary route options, with a second round of open houses expected in early 2027 before formal applications are submitted to the Ohio Power Siting Board later that spring. Supporters, including Pat Tiberi of the Ohio Business Roundtable, highlight the project's importance for economic development, job creation, and increased tax revenues.