Regulators recommend W. Va.-to-Md. power line application dismissal

Posted: 10:25 am Wed, April 13, 2011
By Associated Press

RICHMOND, Va. — Virginia regulators are recommending the dismissal of an application to build a $2 billion power line from West Virginia to Maryland.

A hearing examiner with the State Corporation Commission said Tuesday that regulators should approve a motion to withdraw filed by American Electric Power and FirstEnergy Corp.

The utilities suspended the plan to build the 765-kilowatt line in February. That’s because the group that oversees the electric grid for a 13-state region forecasts weaker-than-expected demand for electricity in Mid-Atlantic states.

The Potomac-Appalachian Transmission Highline was to start at AEP’s John Amos power station in West Virginia. It was to cross northern Virginia before ending at a substation in Maryland.

The SCC must still issue a final order.

West Virginia and Maryland regulators have already granted withdrawal requests.