Power grid talks sought

YORK COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA - Rep. Stan Saylor, R-Windsor Township, has requested that the U.S. Department of Energy hold a public meeting in York County to discuss a proposed national energy corridor.

In April, the DOE proposed the creation of the Mid-Atlantic Area National Corridor, which would include all of New Jersey and large sections of Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Maryland, Virginia, Delaware and Washington, D.C. The agency's draft corridor covers 50 counties in Pennsylvania, including York County.

The goal of the proposed corridor would be to spark the construction of new power lines, which would help relieve transmission congestion problems in those areas.

In addition to Saylor, five other state representatives signed the letter offering their assistance in scheduling a local public meeting to discuss the draft corridor.

“I think the public needs to be aware of what might come out of this,” Saylor said. “We will be asked to make a sacrifice because New York and New Jersey have refused to deal with their energy shortages.”

Currently, PJM Interconnection is reviewing a proposal by American Electric Power to stretch a major transmission line from Maryland to New Jersey.

If approved, the line would travel through the draft corridor.

Although AEP has not yet established a route for that project, the line could travel through York County.

“I think we all have concerns if we are to accept a power line running through York County,” said State Rep. Ron Miller, R-Jacobus. “We should have some input on it. Why should we be forced to have an electric corridor for New York that will not benefit our area?”

The DOE has held seven public meetings to discuss the draft corridor in areas such as Pittsburgh, New York and Arlington, Va., said Julie Ruggiero, an agency spokeswoman.

The DOE does not have any additional meetings scheduled at this time, she said.

The agency's public comment period ended July 6.

“That's a little disappointing,” said State Rep. Keith Gillespie, R-Hellam Township. “I will follow up with them to see if they will consider another meeting.”