Press Release

PUC Finalizes Guidelines on Transmission Line Siting

Published on 11/4/2010

Filed under: Electric

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today finalized interim guidelines regarding transmission line siting in Pennsylvania.

The Commission voted 5-0 to adopt the interim guidelines that provide guidance on the information that the Commission believes is relevant and critical to its evaluation of future transmission line siting applications.

The Commission plans to initiate a rulemaking process to update existing regulations on the information to be filed in support of transmission siting applications. Because the rulemaking process can take a year or more to complete, the interim guidelines will provide direction and be effective until final regulations are completed.

The Commission said ongoing developments at the federal level affecting transmission line siting as well as the Commission’s obligation to maintain adequate transmission infrastructure impacted the decision to re-evaluate the relevancy and effectiveness of its current regulations.

The interim guidelines address:

• Public notice filing requirements;
• Eminent domain filing requirements;
• Exemption from municipal zoning standards;
• Route evaluation and siting;
• Environmental filing requirements; and
• Health and safety considerations.

When an electric company wants to build high-voltage transmission lines, it must file an application with the PUC that includes the proposal’s costs and route. Transmission line siting cases present two distinct issues: whether the need for the line exists; and, whether the proposed route is the best of all alternatives considered.

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, audio of select Commission proceedings or more information about the PUC, visit our website at www.puc.state.pa.us.

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Docket no. M-2009-2141293

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• Press Secretary
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