SWEPCO takes first step to improve power grid reliability for 192,000 Texans

Marshall — As a part of its grid enhancement project, Southwestern Electric Power Company (SWEPCO) is launching the first phase in Marshall to improve its power grid infrastructure, the company announced on Tuesday.

Earlier this month, the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) awarded SWEPCO a $200 million grant aiming to upgrade approximately 700 miles of power line infrastructure in Northeast Texas, ultimately enhancing reliability for more than 192,000 Texas customers, according to our news partner, KETK.

The first project will begin in Marshall, marking the first step in the effort to modernize electric infrastructure and reliability, SWEPCO said.

“When we analyzed our system, upgrading copper wire to more modern equipment stood out as an area that would have the biggest impact,” Adam Keeth, SWEPCO Director of Distribution Engineering & Reliability, said. “By replacing it with modern aluminum?alloy conductors and installing stronger poles, we’re building a system that can better withstand ice, wind, and long?duration storms and deliver more reliable service to our customers.”

The project includes the following upgrades:

Replacing copper wire with stronger conductors
Installing new utility poles designed to withstand severe weather
Strengthen the power distribution network
Support long-term reliability for homes, schools, hospitals and businesses

As work continues throughout the region, the full project is expected to be completed by 2031.

“Together, these efforts will modernize some of the oldest portions of the distribution system, rebuilding them to a more resilient, storm-hardened design within fully cleared rights-of-way,” SWEPCO said.