Duke Energy unveils routes for new power lines in Noblesville & Westfield

Duke Energy Indiana has selected the preferred routes for two new 69-kilovolt (kV) power transmission lines to meet the increasing energy needs of those living and working in the rapidly growing communities of Noblesville and Westfield.

LaBarr

“We appreciate the community’s participation throughout the planning phase of this project,” said Mark LaBarr, government and community relations manager at Duke Energy. “We remain committed to engaging with local residents and keeping them informed about this project as we work to support the tremendous growth and development underway in Noblesville and Westfield.”

Since 2000, the population of Westfield has nearly quadrupled, and the population of Noblesville has grown 130 percent. This growth is expected to continue and is demanding more of the local electric transmission system. The backbone of this area’s electric system is a 230-kV line that runs north to south, parallel to Moontown Road/North Gray Road. It was built in 1984 when these two communities looked much different than they do today. To prepare for future growth and maintain reliable service, Duke Energy must build a new substation and two new transmission lines.

The new substation will be built near the intersection of Westfield Road/State Road 32 and Moontown Road/North Gray Road. Two new 69-kV power lines will originate from this new substation and connect to an existing 69-kV transmission line to the southwest and an existing substation – Westfield Northeast – to the north. The new northern line will be about 2.5 miles long, and the new southern line will be about 1.8 miles long.

The location and alignments of the routes for these new transmission lines are identified on this map.

As part of the route selection process, Duke Energy carefully considered factors such as safety, reliability, land use, and cultural and natural resources, as well as community input. The company’s goal was to select a route that minimizes impact to homes, personal property, businesses, the environment, and the community.

The company engaged the community and solicited comments through five virtual and in-person open houses as well as through letters, postcards, emails, and phone calls. Duke Energy received more than 1,300 comments from residents and members of the community during an extended open comment period.

Next steps

Preconstruction and construction activities will begin along the routes in early 2023 and will continue until the line is placed in service in 2025. Duke Energy will work directly with individual property owners along the routes to discuss easements or vegetation management that may be needed to construct, operate, and maintain the new 69-kV transmission lines.

Residents who have questions about the project can visit duke-energy.com/Noblesville-Westfield, email Noblesville-WestReliabilityProjects@duke-energy.com, or call (866) 302-2729.