Concerns are mounting in Maryland over plans to build a 70-mile power line through Carroll, Frederick, and Baltimore counties. The state’s consumer utility watchdog, David Lapp, expressed worries about the need for the transmission lines and the potential impact on residential customers. Lapp’s organization, the Office of People’s Counsel, is urging PJM Interconnection LLC to differentiate between actual customer demands and speculative projections, which could result in unnecessary investments and increased costs for customers.
Residents, legislators, and environmental advocates are also raising objections to the project, citing concerns about the impact on farmland, natural resources, and the lack of transparency in the decision-making process. State officials are calling for more information and public input on the project, with some lawmakers expressing opposition to the current plans.
The growing demand for power in Maryland is attributed to population growth and the transition to cleaner energy sources, which require the retirement of coal-fired and natural gas power plants. The state’s renewable energy goals are driving the need for additional infrastructure, but some critics argue that the transition has been rushed and is leading to higher costs for consumers.
With stakeholders on all sides voicing their concerns, the future of the project remains uncertain. Public meetings, advocacy efforts, and regulatory decisions will play a crucial role in determining the outcome of the proposed transmission lines in Maryland.
Source
Photo credit www.thebaltimorebanner.com