CHARLESTON â Appalachian Power, along with Wheeling Power, submitted an application to the Public Service Commission of West Virginia (PSC) this past week for approval of a broadband infrastructure expansion project that will facilitate broadband access in unserved areas of Logan and Mingo counties, according to a news release. The company is requesting approval of the project plan and cost recovery for the estimated $61.3 million investment, which includes installing 430 miles of middle-mile fiber optic cable infrastructure needed to expand high-speed broadband access. âWith utility poles already in place near homes and businesses, even in the most rugged and mountainous areas, we are well-positioned to help expand broadband access in rural parts of our service area,â said Chris Beam, Appalachian Power president and chief operating officer. âThe expansion of fiber also provides a robust communications platform for electric grid enhancements that improve energy efficiency and service reliability.â