Three kinds of power lines exist between Appalachian Power’s customers’ homes and businesses and the company’s power plants

• extra high voltage (EHV) transmission lines,
• high voltage transmission lines, and
• distribution lines.

To use an analogy, EHV lines are like electrical interstates, high voltage lines are like limited-access four lane roads, and distribution lines are like two-lane roads that eventually connect to your driveway. For a more complete explanation, see our fact sheet, How the Appalachian Power Electric System Works (PDF : 132 KB : get viewer).

Comparison of typical transmission line structures
Electric utilities use a variety of different transmission towers and poles to move electricity to where it is consumed. Here are some typical types of transmission towers used by Appalachian Power. Click to view full size:

Examples of existing 138 kV power lines
Appalachian Power uses a variety of different transmission towers. These photos of are existing 138 kV transmission lines in service in Roanoke, Va.

Approval Process
In Appalachian Power's Virginia Service Territory, power lines 138 kV and above are reviewed by the Virginia State Corporation Commission. View a flow chart of the approval process.