Press Release

PUC Announces Public Input Hearings for PPL Transmission Line Siting Application

Published on 7/3/2008

Filed under: Electric

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) has scheduled four hearings to receive public comment on the application by PPL Electric Utilities Corporation (PPL) to construct a transmission line in Bucks and Lehigh counties.

Administrative Law Judge Angela T. Jones will conduct the hearings at:

1 p.m. and 7 p.m., Monday, July 14, 2008

Springtown Fire Company

3010 Route 212

Springtown, PA 18081

1 p.m. and 7 p.m., Thursday, July 17, 2008

Benner Hall

1260 Cherry Rd.

Richlandtown, PA 18955

On Feb. 14, 2008, PPL filed an application for approval to site, construct and operate the proposed transmission line in Upper Saucon Township, Lehigh County, and Springfield and Richland Townships in Bucks County.

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 the 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 on the official record on which the PUC will base its decisions.  Residents do not have to file a formal protest in order to participate in the public input hearings.

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

• 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 is not required, you may want to write out your statement, which can be read.
• If you have a written statement or other papers you want to provide as evidence, please bring copies with you for the Administrative Law Judge, court reporter and other active participants in the case. 
• Your testimony will not become part of the record in the case unless you swear or affirm that the testimony you are about to give is truthful.
• 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 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 Web site at www.puc.state.pa.us.

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Docket Nos. A-2008-2022941; P-2008-2038262; A-2008-2039124; A-2008-2039126; A-2008-2039129; A-2008-2039130; A-2008-2039132; A-2008-2039133; A-2008-2039137 

Contact:

• Denise McCracken
  Senior Communications Specialist
  717-787-5722
  demccracken@pa.gov