PJM Interconnection, the area's grid coordinator, hired Transource to complete the $320 million Independence Energy Connection project. According to PJM, the project will “strengthen the grid and reduce electricity costs.”

Transource Energy LLC must overcome some regulatory roadblocks before it can begin building a proposed high-voltage power line between Shippensburg, Pa. and Ringgold, Md.

The project must be approved by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) and the Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC) before construction can begin. What's more, neither commission has a set deadline for their ultimate ruling, and both have said that the process usually takes about a year, Herald-Mail Media reported.

Among the approvals, Transource, which has never worked on project in either state, must obtain permission to do business in Pennsylvania.

“Transource does have an application before the commission for what is called a certificate of convenience, which would be the certificate that would allow them to operate as a utility in Pennsylvania,” said PUC Secretary Nils Hagen-Frederiksen. “They won't be able to file a siting application until there's a decision on their ability to operate as a utility.”

The Project

PJM Interconnection, the area's grid coordinator, hired Transource to complete the $320 million Independence Energy Connection project. According to PJM, the project will “strengthen the grid and reduce electricity costs.”

If built, the project will add 40 miles to 250 kilovolt overhead electric transmission lines in two areas, including 15 miles between Harford County, Md. And York County, Pa., and across Franklin County, Pa., from Ringgold to Shippensburg, Herald-Mail Media reported.

If approved, construction would start in 2019 and be completed in 2020, said Transource spokesperson Abby Foster.

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