Pikeville, KY. — American Electric Power is expanding its transmission operations in Kentucky and investing $16.6 million in a new service center. Ground preparation has begun for the 65,000 square-foot facility in Pikeville. The new state-of-the-art center will be built on about 30 acres located within a few miles of the current Kentucky Power Service Center off U.S. Route 23 at Coal Run. The new facility will serve as a regional transmission center, providing service to eastern Kentucky and southern West Virginia. The new complex will free up space and reduce crowding in the current Kentucky Power Pikeville Service Center, which will continue to serve customers. In addition, the new facility will add meeting space and offices, as well as vehicle and equipment storage. The company plans to locate up to 65 employees in the facility. Construction on the foundation is to begin in March and projected to be completed by June 2020.