July 25, 2008 Power line projects moving foward CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- As a decision is expected this week on one huge power line, West Virginia residents are learning about the next transmission project in the pipeline. By Ken Ward Jr. http://www.wvgazette.com/News/contact/xjneq+jitnmrggr+pbz+return=/News/200807240460?build=yes Staff writer
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CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- As a decision nears on one huge power line across northern West Virginia, plans are taking shape for another high-voltage transmission line from Charleston to Martinsburg.
Later this week, the state Public Service Commission is scheduled to announce its ruling on the $1.3 billion Trans-Allegheny Interstate Project, or TrAIL. That 500-kilovolt-transmission line runs from southwestern Pennsylvania, across northern West Virginia into Virginia.
And last week, developers began a series of "open house" meetings to discuss the Potomac-Appalachian Transmission Highline, being promoted as PATH.
That line would run 290 miles from near the John Amos power plant outside St. Albans to a substation proposed southeast of Frederick, Md.
Allegheny Energy proposed the TrAIL project, and PATH is a joint venture between Allegheny and American Electric Power.
Supporters say that these projects are needed so the nation's aging electricity grid can continue to provide cheap and reliable power to big Eastern cities and their growing suburbs.
But TrAIL has - and PATH is almost certain to - draw intense opposition from West Virginians who fear huge power lines and towers will mar scenic views, lower their property values, and continue what they say is an environmentally damaging reliance on coal-fired electricity.
"The Sierra Club will be monitoring this issue closely, and we expect to be involved when the application is filed with the PSC; however a final decision will likely be made at that time," said Jim Kotcon, a spokesman for the group. "A lot may depend on the precedents set in the TrAIL case, as that could revise our opportunities for effectively influencing the outcome."
Under state law, the PSC must decide if the TrAIL project "will economically, adequately and reliably contribute to meeting the present and anticipated requirements for electric power of the customers served" and if it is "desirable for present and anticipated reliability of service for electric power for its service area or region."
Commissioners must also decide if the project "will result in an acceptable balance between reasonable power needs and reasonable environmental factors."
As originally proposed, the West Virginia portion of TrAIL would run about 114 miles through six counties, from north of Morgantown, through Monongalia, Preston and Tucker counties, and then across Grant, Hardy and Hampshire counties into Virginia.
Commissioners have set Saturday as their deadline for issuing a ruling in the case.