Press Release

Administrative Law Judges Michael A. Nemec and Mark A. Hoyer will conduct the hearings at 1 and 7 p.m. on each of following days and locations:

Aug. 29 and 30, 2007

Sept. 19 and 20, 2007

Washington County Fair & Expo Center -- Building 2

2151 N. Main St.

Washington, PA  15301

Sept. 5 and 6, 2007

Waynesburg College – Alumni Hall

51 W. College St.

Waynesburg, PA  15370

On April 13, 2007, TrAIL Co. filed several applications with the PUC that related to gaining authorization to locate and construct high voltage electric lines in Western Pennsylvania.

When an application of this nature is received, the Commission is required to hold hearings to consider the necessity, safety, and environmental impact of the proposed line. The Commission also considers a variety of other issues including need for the proposed line, risk of danger to the health and safety of the public, compliance with applicable statutes and regulations providing for the protection of natural resources, and minimal adverse environmental impact.

In addition to a series of formal evidentiary hearings, the Commission’s Office of Administrative Law Judge conducts public input hearings. By attending a public input hearing and providing testimony, residents place their views in the official record on which the PUC will base its decision. Residents did not have to file a formal protest in order to participate in the public input hearings.

The PUC and state Office of Consumer Advocate, which represents residential customers in cases before the Commission, offer tips on how to participate.  They include:

• Come early.  Try to arrive at least 10 to 15 minutes before the hearing.
• Sign in to testify when you arrive.  The judge will call witnesses to speak from the order they have signed in.
• Prepare what you are going to say beforehand.  Even though it’s not required, you may want to write out your statement, which can be read.
• Bring copies.  If you have a written statement or have other papers you want to give the judge as evidence, please bring copies with you.  Bring an original, two copies for the court reporter and several copies for active participants in the case.
• Your testimony will not become part of the record in the case unless you affirm that the testimony you are about to give is truthful.
• Plan to be questioned.  Sometimes, parties in the case may want to ask you a question about something you said.  Listen to the whole question.  Answer as best you can.  It’s OK if you don’t know the answer.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities to ensure safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protect the public interest; educate consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; further economic development; and foster new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner. For recent news releases, or more information about the PUC, visit our Internet homepage www.puc.state.pa.us.

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Docket No. A-110172