Press Release

PUC Schedules Two Public Input Hearings on PPL’s Proposed Northeast-Pocono Reliability Project

Published on 4/5/2013

Filed under: Electric

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) has scheduled two hearings to receive public comment on the Northeast-Pocono Reliability Project proposed by PPL Electric Utilities Corp. (PPL) and the company’s application to use  eminent domain as part of the project. 

Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) David A. Salapa will conduct the hearings at:

           2 p.m. and 6 p.m., Thursday, May 2, 2013

           Thornhurst Volunteer Fire Co.

            351 Old River Road

            Thornhurst, PA  18424

On Dec. 28, 2012, PPL filed applications and petitions seeking Commission approval for the siting and construction of the Northeast-Pocono Reliability Project in portions of Luzerne, Lackawanna, Monroe and Wayne counties. 

The Northeast-Pocono Reliability Project proceeding includes the following:

• An application seeking approval for the siting and construction of transmission lines;
• Two petitions seeking a Commission finding that the buildings to shelter control equipment at the proposed North Pocono and West Pocono substations are reasonably necessary for the convenience or welfare of the public and therefore exempt from any local zoning ordinance; and
• 35 applications requesting a Commission finding that the service to be furnished by PPL through its proposed exercise of eminent domain for the siting and construction of the project is necessary or proper for the service, accommodation convenience or safety of the public.

PPL provides electricity to about 1.4 million customers in 29 counties in central and eastern Pennsylvania.

Members of the public are welcome to attend the hearings and provide comments.  Customer testimony will become part of the record on which the PUC will issue its final decision. The PUC and state Office of Consumer Advocate offer tips on how to participate.  They include:

• Prepare what you are going to say beforehand.  Even though it is not required, you may want to write out your statement, which can be read.
• Bring copies, if you are attending an in-person hearing.  If you have a written statement you would like to give to the judge as evidence, please bring two copies for the court reporter and several copies for the other participants.
• Plan to be questioned.  Parties in the case may want to ask you a question to clarify something you said.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities; ensures safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protects the public interest; educates consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; furthers economic development; and fosters new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner. 

For recent news releases and video of select Commission proceedings or more information about the PUC, visit our website at www.puc.pa.gov. Follow the PUC on Twitter – @PA_PUC for all things utility.  “Like” PAPowerSwitch on Facebook for easy access to information on electric shopping.

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Docket Nos. A-2012-2340872; P-2012-2340871; P-2012-2341105; A-2012-2341107; A-2012-2341114; A-2012-2341115; A-2012-2341118; A-2012-2341120; A-2012-2341123; A-2013-2341208; A-2013-2341209; A-2013-2341211; A-2013-2341213; A-2013-2341214; A-2013-2341215; A-2013-2341216; A-2013-2341120; A-2013-2341221; A-2013-2341232; A-2013-2341233; A-2013-2341234; A-2013-2341236; A-2013-2341237; A-2013-2341238; A-2013-2341239; A-2013-2341241; A-2013-2341249; A-2013-2341250; A-2013-2341253  ; A-2013-2341262; A-2013-2341263; A-2013-2341267; A-2013-2341271; A-2013-2341272; A-2013-2341277; C-2012-2305047 and C-2012-2276713

Contact:

• Press Secretary
  717-787-5722