Capital improvement projects currently underway within the Division of Power
CIP# 670608-100015
This project will modernize a 50-year-old electrical transmission line. This 9.7-mile-long circuit runs from the Southerly Substation to the Jackson Pike Substation. While portions of the line have already been upgraded, approximately 8.3 miles still need to be rebuilt using newer, larger wires. These upgrades will extend the life of the system and increase its capacity—especially important for carrying more power from a nearby solar field.
In addition to replacing the old wire (a process called “reconductoring”), the project will also involve:
- Replacing aging or deteriorated poles based on their condition.
- Installing new lightning protection equipment.
- Making other updates to meet current safety and design standards, including those outlined in the National Electrical Safety Code (NESC).
The 69-2 Circuit Improvements project will modernize a 50-year-old electrical transmission line. This 9.7-mile-long circuit runs from the Southerly Substation to the Jackson Pike Substation. While portions of the line have already been upgraded, approximately 8.3 miles still need to be rebuilt using newer, larger wires. These upgrades will extend the life of the system and increase its capacity—especially important for carrying more power from a nearby solar field.
Project Impact
This project will strengthen the reliability and resilience of the City’s electrical system, reducing the likelihood of power outages and their associated economic impacts.
Key benefits include:
- Improved Reliability: A stronger, modernized transmission line means fewer service interruptions for customers across the city.
- Support for Renewable Energy: The upgraded circuit will support power coming from solar energy facilities on the south side of Columbus, helping deliver clean energy to neighborhoods throughout the city.
- Operational Efficiency: New poles and wires will reduce the need for repairs and maintenance caused by aging infrastructure.
Neighborhoods Affected:
The project passes through three Columbus communities - Far South, South Side, and Southwest - but the benefits will extend citywide by improving reliability across the Division of Power's entire service area. View the project area map(PDF, 92KB).
Project timeline
- April 2026: bids received for construction.
- September 2026: issue notice to proceed for construction.
- Construction Duration: Expected to take 16 months, with substantial completion at 12 months.
Summary: Improvements will be made to ensure the facility fully complies with ODNR requirements. Construction is expected to begin by spring 2024 and will be completed by 3rd quarter of 2024. A virtual public meeting is anticipated to take place with notifications mailed to area residents in late spring 2023.
CIP 670892-100000
The Division of Power maintains and operates over 58,000 street lights and has over 800 street lighting circuits. Much of the existing lighting infrastructure is past its original design life and requires frequent maintenance. The city has identified several older circuits with frequent outages and maintenance tickets for replacement.
This project will replace the streetlights on Circuit 23 in the Franklinton neighborhood on Columbus’ Westside via the Circuit 23 Streetlighting Improvements Plan. Circuit 23 is in disrepair and requires significant upkeep to keep the lights working. The project will replace approximately 150 lights, as well as the associated wiring and controller, with new materials in accordance with current standards.
Project Impact:
Upgrading old street lights to LEDs will improve efficiency and reduce energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions and maintenance costs. In addition, this project directly supports three of Mayor Ginther's seven strategic priorities:
- Public Safety and Health: LED technology emits a brighter, cleaner light that improves visibility for residents, while the system allows for programmable dimming when vehicular and pedestrian traffic is light.
- Neighborhoods: Initial investments are focused around and between schools, recreations centers and libraries in Linden, Hilltop and the Southside neighborhoods.
- Operational Efficiencies: new wiring and luminaires will reduce maintenance. LED fixtures will reduce greenhouse gas emissions significantly.
This project is located in Franklinton, which is an urban community on Columbus’ Westside. By investing in this community and enhancing streetlights we impact underserved and under-represented segments of our population. View the project area map(PDF, 58KB).
Project timeline
- Spring 2024 -Design start date.
- Construction - Anticipated to take 6 months to complete - Spring 2026 to Fall 2026.
CIP# 670897-100000
Division of Power (DOP) operates and maintains over 58,000 street lights and over 800 street lighting circuits. Much of the existing lighting infrastructure is past its original design life and requires frequent maintenance. We have identified several older circuits with frequent outages and maintenance tickets for replacement.
This project will convert all existing HPS lights to LED on Circuit 79 on streets South of I-670 and East of Saint Clair Ave (view project area map(PDF, 51KB)). in the Eastside neighborhood. The project will replace approximately 46 lights and poles, as well as the associated wiring and controller, with new materials in accordance with current standards.
Project Impact
Upgrading old street lights to LEDs will improve efficiency and reduce energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions and maintenance costs. In addition, this project directly supports three of Mayor Ginther's seven strategic priorities:
- Public Safety and Health: LED technology emits a brighter, cleaner light that improves visibility for residents, while the system allows for programmable dimming when vehicular and pedestrian traffic is light.
- Neighborhoods: Initial investments are focused around and between schools, recreations centers and libraries in Linden, Hilltop and the Southside neighborhoods.
- Operational Efficiencies: new wiring and luminaires will reduce maintenance. LED fixtures will reduce greenhouse gas emissions significantly.
This project is located in an urban community along the I-670 corridor. By investing in this community and enhancing streetlights we will impact underserved and under-represented segments of our population.
Project Timeline
- Spring 2024 - Design start date.
- Construction - Anticipated to take 6 months to complete - Spring 2026 to Summer 2026.
CIP# 670870-100000
This project is for the maintenance replacement of city street lighting circuit 237. Boundaries include Cole St and Mooberry Street between Ohio Avenue and Rhoades Avenue; also included are the bridges over I-70 (Ohio, Champion, Linwood, Miller, Kelton and Fairwood Avenues). View map of the project area(PDF, 119KB). All luminaires on the circuit will be replaced with LED and new wiring installed to convert the circuit to 3-wire operation. The utilization of LED street lighting technology has proven to provide energy savings. This is an older circuit in the city so updating to the 3-wire standard is a benefit to the citizens of Columbus.
Project Impact
Upgrading old street lights to LEDs will improve efficiency and reduce energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions and maintenance costs. In addition, this project directly supports three of Mayor Ginther's seven strategic priorities:
- Public Safety and Health: LED technology emits a brighter, cleaner light that improves visibility for residents, while the system allows for programmable dimming when vehicular and pedestrian traffic is light.
- Neighborhoods: Initial investments are focused around and between schools, recreations centers and libraries in Linden, Hilltop and the Southside neighborhoods.
- Operational Efficiencies: new wiring and luminaires will reduce maintenance. LED fixtures will reduce greenhouse gas emissions significantly.
Project Timeline
- Design - Finished 2024
- Construction procurement – Summer 2025
- Construction - Anticipated to take 10 months to complete - Fall 2025 to Summer 2026.
Phase 1 - CIP# 670799-100001
Phase 2 - CIP# 670799-100002
Phase 3 - CIP# 670799-100003
Phase 4 - CIP# 670799-100004
Phase 5 - CIP# 670799-100005
Project Description
The Division of Power (DOP) intends to complete the ongoing effort to eliminate the remaining portion of the 7,200-volt (V) delta power distribution system by converting it into a 14.4 kilovolt (kV) grounded-wye power distribution system.
The existing 7,200 V delta power distribution system consists of three circuits: 7220, 7221, and 7223. All three originate from the DOP’s North Substation, an aging distribution facility. These circuits will be converted into 14.4 kV by extending the existing 14.4 kV circuits in the same areas as needed. This will ensure all current DOP customers served by the 7,200 V circuits are fully transitioned. Once all 7,200 V services have been converted, the North Substation may be decommissioned.
The project is primarily located between Cleveland Avenue and I-71 (east to west). It extends north from the North Substation to Dublin-Granville Road (view project area map(PDF, 74KB)). The voltage conversion project for Circuit 7221 will establish a new 14.4 kV grounded-wye circuit from the DOP’s Hap Cremean Substation. This new circuit will be extended in five phases into the 7221 service area to complete the conversion.
Project Impact
This project will deliver significant benefits by addressing issues related to aging infrastructure, safety, and environmental concerns. It will also pave the way for the eventual decommissioning of the North Substation. Key benefits include:
Improved safety and reliability
- Elimination of risks from aging equipment
- Reduced maintenance costs
- Enhanced system resilience
Economic and community benefits
- Reduced energy costs
- Compliance with current regulations
Project Timeline
- October 2023: GPD was awarded the engineering work for the voltage conversion of Circuit 7221.
- January 2026: Final engineering plans and specifications for Phase 1 are expected to be completed.
- July 2026: Notice to proceed for Phase 1 construction is expected to be issued, with an anticipated duration of 15 months; Final engineering plans and specifications for Phase 2 are expected to be completed.
- January 2027: Notice to proceed for Phase 2 construction is expected to be issued, with an anticipated duration of 15 months.
CIP# 670878-100002
Project Description
The Division of Power is converting all existing HPS lights to LED in the Southside neighborhood via the Smart Lighting Phase 2 project.
The project area is generally bounded by High Street on the west, Livingston Avenue on the north, Alum Creek Drive to the east and Marion Road to the south. View the project area map(PDF, 129KB).
It will replace approximately 3,900 existing HPS lights with LED lights. The implementation of LED lights will significantly reduce greenhouse gasses. The utilization of LED street lighting technology has been proven to reduce energy consumption and increase savings.
Project Impact
Upgrading old street lights to LEDs will improve efficiency and reduce energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions and maintenance costs. In addition, this project directly supports three of Mayor Ginther's seven strategic priorities:
- Public Safety and Health: LED technology emits a brighter, cleaner light that improves visibility for residents,
- Neighborhoods: Initial investments are focused around and between schools, recreations centers and libraries in Linden, Hilltop and the Southside neighborhoods.
- Operational Efficiencies: new luminaires will reduce maintenance. LED fixtures will reduce greenhouse gas emissions significantly.
Project timeline
- Fall 2025 - construction design plans signed, project bid.
- Winter 2026 - issue notice to proceed for construction.
- Construction - Anticipated to take one year to complete - Winter 2026 to Winter 2027. Project should be substantially complete at 9 months.