Senator Huffman Issues Message on Grid Growth Transmission Project

COLUMBUS — State Senator Steve Huffman (R-Tipp City) issued the following message about the proposed Grid Growth Transmission Line Project in western Ohio:

Few things are more important to our daily lives than reliable electricity. It powers our homes, schools, hospitals, farms and businesses. That's why the proposed Grid Growth 765-kV Transmission Line Project has generated significant interest across western Ohio, including in Darke, Miami and Shelby counties. As conversations continue, it's important that residents have accurate information about why this project was identified and what it could mean for our communities.
 
Ohio is part of a 13-state regional electric grid operated by PJM, the organization responsible for maintaining reliability across the region. After years of study and analysis, PJM concluded that additional transmission infrastructure would be needed to strengthen the grid, maintain reliability and meet growing demand for electricity.
 
As Ohio continues to attract new businesses, expand manufacturing and support economic growth, the demand for reliable power continues to increase. To meet those needs, PJM identified the Grid Growth Project as one of the most effective solutions for moving electricity where it is needed most while strengthening the overall electric system.
 
Think of transmission lines as the highways of the electric grid. Just as roads can become congested when traffic increases, the electric system can experience bottlenecks that make it harder to move power efficiently. This project is designed to create additional pathways for electricity to flow across the region, helping reduce congestion and improve reliability.
 
One of the most important facts for residents to understand is that the benefits of transmission projects extend far beyond the communities where the infrastructure is ultimately built. A stronger transmission network helps ensure homes, businesses, schools, hospitals and emergency services across Ohio have access to reliable electricity, especially during periods of high demand or unexpected outages.

These investments may also provide local benefits. Utilities serving western Ohio, including AES and local electric cooperatives such as Darke Rural Electric Cooperative and Pioneer Electric Cooperative, could have future opportunities to connect to the enhanced transmission network, strengthening service and adding flexibility for the customers they serve.
 
Beyond reliability, the Grid Growth Project has the potential to create meaningful economic opportunities. The project is expected to support nearly 1,300 jobs annually during construction and generate an estimated $704 million in economic activity, benefiting workers, contractors, suppliers and businesses across the region.
 
Once in service, the project is projected to generate approximately $24.7 million in annual state and local tax revenue. Those dollars can help support important community priorities, including schools, road improvements, emergency services and other essential public services. For many communities, that means not only stronger infrastructure, but also additional resources to help support residents and future growth.
 
I also recognize that landowners have legitimate questions about how the project may affect their property. Those concerns deserve careful consideration. The exact route has not yet been finalized, and residents will have opportunities to provide input throughout the routing process. For landowners affected by the final route, fair compensation will be provided, and experience with similar projects has shown that most agricultural activities can continue after construction is complete.
 
The current plan is for construction to begin in late 2027 and be completed by 2030. Before then, there will be numerous opportunities for public participation. I encourage residents to attend public meetings, ask questions, learn the facts and make their voices heard.
 
At the end of the day, this project is about preparing Ohio for the future. It is about strengthening reliability, supporting economic growth and ensuring our electric infrastructure is ready to meet the needs of future generations. While people may hold different views on the project, we should all agree that these discussions should be guided by facts, transparency and a commitment to what is best for our communities.
 
For more information, visit: gridgrowthventures.com/WesternOhio.
 
Locations for upcoming open houses:

Darke County: Tuesday, September 29, 4:00-7:30 PM
Romer’s Catering Greenville Ballroom: 118 East Main Street, Greenville, OH 45331
 
Miami County: Wednesday, September 30, 4:00-7:30 PM
Romer’s Catering Piqua Ballroom: 201 Robert M. Davis Parkway, Piqua, OH 45356
 
Shelby County: Thursday, October 1, 4:00-7:30 PM
Sidney-Shelby YMCA Schauer Gym: 300 E Parkwood Street, Sidney, OH 45365

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