PJM Board Approves Another $1.2 Billion In Transmission Improvements

Changes help with generation retirements and strengthen resiliency

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Oct 03, 2013, 04:57 ET

VALLEY FORGE, Pa., Oct. 3, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The PJM Interconnection Board of Managers authorized $1.2 billion in upgrades and improvements to the high-voltage electric transmission system that serves the Mid-Atlantic and all or parts of other states between the Mid-Atlantic and Chicago, Ill. The upgrades and improvements were identified as part of PJM's continuous regional planning process.

The announced changes call for upgrades and improvements to transformers, substations and other transmission facilities throughout the region served by PJM.

"PJM and our members know firsthand that a strong, resilient grid is important to meet the challenging impacts of Mother Nature, such as Super Storm Sandy last year, and the ongoing, dramatic shift of generation from coal to natural gas that's resulted in the closure of many older coal plants," said Terry Boston, PJM president and CEO. "PJM's transmission improvement plan and these new upgrades address these challenges."

With these changes, the PJM regional transmission plan includes more than $24.2 billion of transmission additions and upgrades since the first plan was approved by the board in 2000.

PJM Interconnection, founded in 1927, ensures the reliability of the high-voltage electric power system serving 61 million people in all or parts of Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia and the District of Columbia. PJM coordinates and directs the operation of the region's transmission grid, which includes 62,556 miles of transmission lines; administers a competitive wholesale electricity market; and plans regional transmission expansion improvements to maintain grid reliability and relieve congestion. Visit PJM at www.pjm.com.