A power line is shown in Grand Rapids in this file photo. The lines for the new project in Berrien and Cass counties will look similar. (Joel Bissell | MLive file photo)

BERRIEN COUNTY, MI – A $66 million upgrade is in the works for the electrical network in Berrien and Cass counties.

The project will bring two new substations, upgrades and expansions to three substations and about 3.5 miles of high-voltage transmission lines, a news release from Indiana Michigan Power said.

Two open houses are planned this week for community members to learn about the project and ask questions.

The Niles Area Transmission Improvements Project will consist of three phases with construction beginning in fall 2023 and ending in spring 2024, according to the news release.

“The Niles Area Transmission Improvements Projects enables Indiana Michigan Power to upgrade and replace aging equipment, some of which have been in operation since the 1960s,” I&M Community Affairs manager Mona Livingston said. “This project will also enhance reliability for decades to come in the Michiana area and support our area’s economic and residential growth.”

In Cass County, the existing 69-kilovolt Kenzie Creek Substation would be expanded, the 138-kilovolt Pokagon Substation would be rebuilt and about one and a half miles of new transmission line would be built in the Niles North part of the project.

In Berrien and Cass counties, a new 69-kilovolt FourFlag Substation would be built, the 69-kilovolt Lake Street Substation would be upgraded and about half a mile of transmission line would be built for the Niles Central part of the project. Around two and a half miles of transmission line would be retired.

In St. Joseph County, Indiana, a new 138-kilovolt Boundary Substation and a mile and a half of transmission lines would be built, in the Niles South part of the project.

The first meeting is Wednesday, March 30 from 5 to 7 p.m., at Grand LV, 104 N. 3rd St., in Niles. The second meeting is Thursday, March 31 from 5 to 7 p.m., at Navarre at The Brick, 727 S. Eddy St., South Bend, Indiana.

There are no presentations so people can attend at anytime during the meeting, the release said.

Landowners and community members are asked to submit feedback by April 18 online here.

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