Oklahoma Corporation Commissioners were set to possibly give the go-ahead this week to a $260 million project to improve American Electric Power Company’s electric transmission line from Lawton eastward to near Ardmore.

But a Tuesday morning announcement declared the meeting had been cancelled. It did not offer an explanation nor any notice that it had been rescheduled.

The project (Case No. PUD2025-000069) will include the rebuilding of electric transmission facilities in Carter, Comanche and Stephens Counties. As earlier filings indicated, the AEP will be facilitated by AEP Oklahoma Transmission Company.

“OK Transco expects the electric transmission facility to be completed by December 31, 2029, at an expected cost of approximately $260 million based upon current market conditions.”

Barrett A. Thomas, an Engineer Manager with the company stated in filed testimony there was a need for the improvement project.

“The existing 345 kV transmission line needs to be rebuilt in order to address its condition and outage frequency. The rebuilt line will improve reliability, support increased load growth, and meet current engineering standards. This will involve rebuilding approximately 70 miles of the existing 345 kV transmission line. The Project also includes necessary upgrades at the existing terminal station ends.”

He continued that the project will include replacement of the existing 40-year-old wooden transmission poles with tall lattice towers that have improved structural integrity, longer lifespan and reduced maintenance needs.

“One of the key benefits of the BOLD lattice tower is its ability to deliver up to 160 percent of the power capacity of a typical 345-kV line. This enhanced capacity is crucial for meeting current and future energy demands while ensuring reliability and efficiency.”

AEP also began holding public meetings this week to inform residents of the three counties of the details of the project.

The item, listed on the commission’s 24-hour signing agenda, was among several other issues that were to be discussed by commissioners before they took a vote.

The meeting was set to also see another remote use of the commission’s Tulsa office where commissioners Brian Bingman would be during the gathering, according to the announcement posted Monday.

Two location options to attend this meeting in person:

Commissioner David and Commissioner Hiett will participate from the Concourse Theater, Suite C50, Will Rogers Memorial Office Building, 2401 North Lincoln Boulevard, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73105, (405) 521-2211

Commissioner Bingman will participate from the District 1 Tulsa Field Office for the Oil and Gas Conservation Division, Oklahoma Corporation Commission, Suite 900, 5100 E. Skelly Dr., Tulsa, Oklahoma 74135, (918) 367-3396

This was the original proposed agenda.