Latest news with #PiedmontReliabilityProject
CBS News
10-06-2025
- Business
- CBS News
Maryland PSC to set schedule for controversial energy project
Maryland's Public Service Commission will hold a virtual conference to set a procedural schedule for the controversial Piedmont Reliability Project. The proposed 70-mile transmission line would run through Baltimore, Carroll, and Frederick counties. Today's hearing comes as several Maryland property owners wait for a federal judge to decide whether the developer can survey property owners' land. What is the purpose of the Piedmont Reliability Project? The Piedmont Reliability Project would involve the construction of 70 miles of 500,000-volt overhead power lines connecting an existing transmission line through parts of Baltimore, Carroll, and Frederick counties. PSEG Renewable Transmission, the New Jersey-based developer, says the project is needed to keep up with Maryland's growing need for power that is generated within the state. According to the company, Maryland will face an increased energy deficit and power grid congestion if the state doesn't increase its capacity. Why the pushback? Residents in the path of the proposed project have expressed concerns about potential negative environmental impacts and how the transmission lines may impede personal property. Some residents say the power lines, if built, would cut through family-owned farms. A faith-based youth camp and outdoor education center in Carroll County said the project would jeopardize the camp experience that they provide to guests – since the transmission line would go through their property. Janet Stratton, a Hereford resident, told WJZ her farm that's been passed down for six generations is in the path of the potential transmission line. "I realized my childhood dream 30 years ago," Stratton said. "To have it taken away would be devastating." When it comes to environmental concerns, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation said the project poses risks to the bay's habitat and water quality. The CBF said the project has the potential to damage protected forests, nutrient-rich wetlands, and sources of clean water. Maryland Governor Wes Moore has also spoken out, saying he has concerns about the project. Developer asks court for access to residents' properties In April, PSEG submitted a court filing requesting that residents in multiple Maryland counties allow surveyors onto their land. The judge's ruling will determine if and how PSEG is able to move forward with the project, as the company must complete surveying before proceeding with construction. PSEG's filing for Temporary Right to Entry asks the court to allow the surveying of 91 properties for the project.
CBS News
09-04-2025
- Business
- CBS News
BGE plans to build new overhead transmission lines in parts of Maryland as coal-powered station closes
Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE) is planning to build new overhead transmission lines and upgrade others across parts of Maryland in response to the retirement of a coal-powered electric generating station. The new transmission lines would cross Anne Arundel, Baltimore and Harford counties. BGE submitted a project application that explains how this work is necessary to address thermal and voltage violations that would come as a result of the retirement of Talen Energy's coal-fired Brandon Shores Generating Station. According to the Maryland Public Service Commission, BGE applied for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) in July 2024. If approved, the certification would allow BGE to build high-voltage transmission lines in the state. The application shows that the project would include: The Public Service Commission is holding three meetings to hear input from the community. The meetings will be held on the following dates: Written comments can also be shared online or by mail through May 1. Find more information HERE. A similar transmission line construction project sparked controversy for some Maryland residents. The Piedmont Reliability Project, efforted by New Jersey-based company PSEG Renewable Transmission, would create 70 miles of overhead powerlines through parts of Baltimore, Carroll and Frederick counties. The company said the project would help the state meet its growing demand for electricity. During a series of public input meetings, residents and state leaders raised several concerns about the Piedmont Reliability Project. Some residents argued that the transmission lines could impede on their property, and others raised concerns about the environmental impact. The Chesapeake Bay Foundation conducted a study that found the transmission lines would cut through hundreds of acres of protected area, watersheds, forest and wetlands, impacting habitats and water quality. PSEG said it adjusted the alignment of the project, taking into account the more than 5,000 public comments it received. Gov. Wes Moore also shared his concerns "about how the study area for this project was determined, the lack of community involvement in the planning process, and the lack of effective communication about the impacts of this project." PSEG has applied for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN), however, in February, Baltimore County Executive Kathy Klausmeier said she would intervene in the application process. Carroll and Frederick counties also filed petitions against the project.
CBS News
11-02-2025
- Business
- CBS News
Baltimore County executive plans to intervene in application for controversial electrical grid project
BALTIMORE -- Baltimore County's executive is moving to intervene in the application process and approval for the controversial Piedmont Reliability Project. Kathy Klausmeier said Baltimore County Council will "continue to work with state partners to share serious concerns about this project's impacts and work to protect our county's agricultural legacy and land preservation interests." PSEG Renewable Transmission, a New Jersey-based company, applied for a permit to begin the construction of 70 miles of overhead 500,000-volt powerlines connecting an existing transmission line through parts of Baltimore, Carroll, and Frederick counties. The Maryland Public Service Commission says the review process will include public hearings in the counties where the project is set to be constructed, and public comments can be submitted through their website. "PSEG has applied for what is known as a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN), which, if granted, authorizes an applicant to construct an energy generating station or high-voltage transmission line in Maryland," the MPSC said Carroll and Frederick counties have also filed petitions against the project. A spokesperson for PSEG said that the project is essential to support Maryland's growing electric needs and that the current electrical system is overloaded. The pushback Residents in the path of the proposed Piedmont Reliability Project argue these transmission lines could have a potential negative impact on the environment and how it may impede personal property. Property owners also fear that the project would cut through family-owned farms. "This issue is of great concern to a significant amount of my constituents," said Maryland Delegate Jesse Pippy, who represents Frederick County. "This project is unnecessary, it severely adversely impacts thousands and thousands of people. It's for the benefit of Virginia, not Maryland. The project itself is going to be paid for by Maryland ratepayers." Last November, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation said the project posed several risks to Maryland's habitat and water quality, damaging protected forests, nutrient-rich wetlands, and sources of clean water. "As the state moves towards a greener grid and electrification of appliances and cars, more power will be needed. However, the deforestation and environmental devastation required would contradict many of Maryland's climate change goals," the CBF said in a statement. "It is much more cost-effective to preserve high-quality waterways upfront than to try and restore streams and landscapes after devastation occurs." What's next?
