The work will be carried out in an energized state by Quanta, which will utilize proprietary processes and equipment to avoid power outages the customers face during construction.
The project, which is expected to be completed in March 2016, is the first of five phases of energized transmission upgrades planned in the area by American Electric.
The company said pre-construction activities are in progress while construction is likely to begin in the fourth quarter and ramp up during 2013.
Quanta Services president and chief executive Jim O’Neil said, "Our energized services solution can allow AEP to avoid service disruption, reduce cost, and ultimately strengthen power delivery to the region."
Current project is part of a program to upgrade a total of 240 miles of line in South Texas spanning from Harlingen to Corpus Christi, and ending in Edinburg.
