Company files for power line permits in Md., Pa
A power line company on Wednesday submitted applications with state regulators to build a new line that would cross the Mason-Dixon Line.
Transource Energy’s applications to build the Independence Energy Connection power line project were filed with the Maryland Public Service Commission and the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, according to Mary Urban and Abby Foster, Transource community affairs representatives.
The power line project has been the subject of public meetings and some debate in both states. A group called “Stop Transource Franklin County” has been organizing in Pennsylvania.
“From our structure selection to route adjustments, our application to build the project incorporates a number of modifications based on public input,” Todd Burns, Transource Energy director, said in a statement released Wednesday. “And while we weren’t able to incorporate every change, we considered each comment as we worked to strike the balance between building the required infrastructure that powers our homes and economy, while respecting land use and the environment in these communities.”
Transource has been hired by PJM Interconnection, which directs the operation of the region’s electrical grid, to construct the $320 million project. According to Transource documents, PJM identified problems with what it called “electric congestion.” That describes a situation in which a supply of the lowest-priced electricity can’t flow freely to customers in a specific area.
Transource conducted two rounds of open-house-style public meetings during the summer. The proposed route was announced in October.
The project totals 45 miles of 230-kilovolt lines in two sections:
• A 16-mile segment from a new substation to be built in York County, Pa., to an existing substation near Norrisville, in Harford County, Md.
• A 29-mile run from a new substation near Interstate 81 south of Shippensburg, Pa., to the existing Ringgold Substation near Smithsburg.
