Press Release

PUC to Hold Public Input Hearing in PPL Rights-of-Way Cases

Published on 2/21/2012

Filed under: Electric

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) has scheduled a public input hearing to receive public comment on nine applications filed by PPL regarding the need for the proposed Richfield-Dalmatia 69 kV transmission line and whether it is necessary for the service, convenience or safety of the public.

Administrative Law Judges Joel H. Cheskis and David A. Salapa will conduct the hearing at:

6 p.m. Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Hickory Corners Fire Company

1124 Hickory Road

Dalmatia, PA 17017

These cases do not involve PUC approval of the transmission line location or construction. In addition, the General Assembly has not given the Commission authority to appropriate the property or determine the amount of damages PPL must pay to each landowner for the use of their property.  Therefore, the Public Utility Commission will not hear testimony on these issues.

Rather, if the Commission issues an order stating that the exercise of PPL’s eminent domain power is necessary for the service, convenience or safety of the public, PPL may initiate an eminent domain proceeding in the Court of Common Pleas where the property is located which will authorize appropriating the property and determine the amount of damages to be paid to each landowner.  Testimony regarding the need for the proposed transmission line is welcome at the public input hearing.

Customer testimony will become part of the record on which the PUC will base its decision in the case.  Tips on how to participate include:

• The judge will call witnesses to speak in the order they have registered.
• 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.
• 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.  Sometimes, active parties in the case may want to ask you a question to clarify something you have said.  Listen to the whole question.  Answer as best as you can.  It is okay if you do not 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, 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-2011-2267352; A-2011-2267353; A-2011-2267416; A-2011-2267418; A-2011-2267426; A-2011-2267429; A-2011-2267446; A-2011-2267349; A-2011-2267448

Contact:

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