News Releases

Appalachian Power Company (APCo) has received approval from the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) for a variance related to water releases from the Smith Mountain Project, effective July 22, 2026.

Appalachian Power Company (APCo) representatives plan to relocate, expand and upgrade the Joshua Falls 765-kV Substation in Campbell County to accommodate the Valley Link Transmission Project. The project team is hosting an open house to gather input from the community. 

Residents and stakeholders across the region are helping shape Valley Link, a major transmission project aimed at strengthening reliable electric service as communities grow and power needs increase.

Water levels on Leesville Lake could rise rapidly starting Monday, June 29, and may fluctuate throughout the week. Appalachian Power Company (APCo) is alerting boaters, fishermen and other recreational users on the Smith Mountain Project to be prepared for changing conditions.

 Appalachian Power Company (APCo) has been selected to receive funding through the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) grant program to help strengthen reliability and support affordable electric service for customers. The funding will support upgrades at the Mitchell Plant as part of a federal effort to modernize the nation’s existing coal-fired power plant fleet.

Appalachian Power Company (APCo) representatives plan to upgrade the transmission system in Wayne County as part of the Tri-State – East Lynn Transmission Line Rebuild Project. The project involves rebuilding approximately 18 miles of 138-kilovolt (kV) transmission line and replacing deteriorating wooden poles with modern steel structures. 

Appalachian Power Company (APCo) is requesting its lowest increase in a base rate review in Virginia in nearly 30 years, with savings generated through securitization under the APCo Rate Reduction Act helping reduce the impact on customer bills.

The Public Service Commission (PSC) of West Virginia approved an adjustment that includes an inflation-based increase of $40.1 million, or approximately 2% of overall revenue. A traditional base rate filing could have exceeded $200 million.

Ongoing drought conditions across the region have left Smith Mountain Lake and Leesville Lake with unusually low water levels, resulting in a change in operations at Appalachian Power Company’s (APCo) Smith Mountain Project.

Appalachian Power Company (APCo) received approval from the Public Service Commission of West Virginia (PSC) to adjust base rates beginning June 1. This base rate change allows APCo to continue investing to build a more reliable electric grid in West Virginia while accounting for increased costs due to inflation.