(Batesville, IN) – Indiana Michigan Power hosted an open house Wednesday evening at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Batesville on their planned transmission grid upgrades in Ripley, Franklin and Dearborn counties.
Residents and affected property owners packed The Hall to learn more about the company’s consideration of routes for a new 345 kilovolt (kV) transmission line in the area.
Plans call for the Batesville Transmission Improvements Project construction of around nine miles of a new transmission line between Batesville Station, located off Delaware Road and East County Road 1300 North, and the Tanner’s Creek-Junction Tower. 345-kV transmission line.
But a number of people say they are not on board with I & M’s proposal.
“I’m not a fan of the power line going right outside my children’s window. There are a lot of questions, and I’m not sure what the purpose of this is,” said a Sunman resident who asked not to be identified. “We only received notice of this 10 days prior to this event, and I question why we’re weren’t notified earlier.”
The proposed structures would average 165 feet tall, with a right-of-way averaging 150 to 200 feet wide.
Opponents say, for property owners along the eventual route, an easement could affect how their land is used for years to come
“It goes straight through my hayfield, and there are other things that are going to be going on in that field,” she added. “I’m not interested in a right-of-way also on my property.”
Those against the proposal also say residents deserve clear answers about the project’s cost, who will pay for it, and whether any costs could adversely affect electric bills.
WRBI was informed that none of I & M’s official spokespeople were on hand at the open house.
The public has until October 14 to submit comments through the company’s website IndianaMichiganPower.com/Batesville.
