Press Release

PUC Approves Settlement for Transource Pennsylvania to Supply Electric Transmission Service in Franklin & York Counties; Any Specific Projects Will Require Future PUC Review

Published on 12/21/2017

Filed under: Electric

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today granted a certificate of public convenience to Transource Pennsylvania, LLC (Transource) to permit Transource to begin furnishing and supplying electric transmission service within two corridors located in Franklin and York counties.

The Commission Order approves a settlement among the parties to give Transource public utility status, but does not constitute approval of any project in the service area.

The Commission’s Order, approved by a 5-0 vote, requires Transource to obtain necessary permits and approvals for any specific projects from state, federal, and local government agencies having jurisdiction. Additionally, today’s order preserves the right of parties to challenge the need for, and siting of any future transmission project applications that may be submitted to the PUC by Transource.

As noted in the PUC’s fact sheet on transmission line siting, a public utility must first obtain the Commission’s approval before it can build aerial high-voltage transmission lines with a design voltage greater than 100,000 volts. Before beginning any transmission line construction project, Transource must file an application with the PUC that includes the proposal’s costs, a proposed route and alternative routes. That application must also include information about other factors, such as the environmental impacts; existing land use; and impacts on scenic, historic and archeological sites. Information pertaining to the affected landowners, safety considerations and a statement of need must also be included in the application.

When a utility files an application with the Commission, it is processed, given a docket number, and a Notice of Application will be published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin, along with newspapers of general circulation throughout the affected region. The Applicant must serve the filing on municipalities and other private landowners affected by the Application.  All public documents filed in the case will be published on the PUC’s website and available for online review. All interested parties will be given an opportunity to file their written comments and any protests to the Application during a “protest period” set forth by the Commission in the Notice.

Further information about the Commission’s review of transmission line projects is available on the PUC website.

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.

Visit the PUC’s website at www.puc.pa.gov for recent news releases and video of select proceedings. You can also follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube. Search for the “Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission” or “PA PUC” on your favorite social media channel for updates on utility issues and other helpful consumer information.

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Docket No.:  
A-2017-2587821
G-2017-2587822

Contact:

• Nils Hagen-Frederiksen
  Press Secretary
  717-418-2701
  nhagen-fre@pa.gov