PJM recently closed its transmission planning window for 2029-2032 and “did not identify new needs” for transmission expansion in AEP or FirstEnergy’s Ohio territory as part of its Regional Transmission Expansion Plan (RTEP). AEP has already secured permission for a $33 million transmission line in central Ohio, set to be completed by June 2027, aimed at accommodating anticipated load increases from data centers. AEP is collecting substantial ratepayer funds to upgrade its system in expectation of this electric load.

Additionally, PJM projects a significant increase in generation within AEP’s territory and across Ohio, with plans to export electricity to the East Coast by 2028. However, any revisions to AEP’s load forecasts could alter this outlook. The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association Energy Group has intervened in the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio to examine potential changes to AEP’s load forecasts, highlighting the need for scrutiny in this evolving landscape. 9/24/2024