PJM Board Authorizes $1 Billion In Transmission Upgrades

Projects maintain reliability and ensure value for 65 million in region PJM serves

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Oct 18, 2017, 15:46 ET

VALLEY FORGE, Pa., Oct. 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The PJM Interconnection Board authorized $1 billion in various electric transmission projects to ensure efficient and reliable power supplies for the 65 million customers PJM serves. The projects include reliability and market efficiency improvements.

"Maintaining the reliability of the grid is paramount and involves continuously reviewing small and large transmission projects across our 13 states and the District of Columbia," said PJM President and CEO Andrew L. Ott.

One project will reinforce 69-kilovolt transmission lines to maintain reliable electricity supplies for more than 15,000 customers in Union County, N.J. It is estimated to cost $197 million. An additional project involving the construction of a new 69-kV line will serve customers near Camden, N.J. It is estimated to cost $98 million.

The PJM Board approved upgrades in areas served by American Electric Power; American Transmission Systems, Inc.; Commonwealth Edison; Dominion; East Kentucky Power Cooperative, Inc.; Pennsylvania Electric Company; and Public Service Electric & Gas. Many of the individual projects cost less than $5 million.

Since 2000, the PJM Board has approved $32.3 billion in transmission additions and upgrades as part of PJM's Regional Transmission Expansion Plan. For a complete list of today's approved projects (PDF), visit PJM.com.

PJM Interconnection, founded in 1927, ensures the reliability of the high-voltage electric power system serving 65 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 over 82,000 miles of transmission lines; administers a competitive wholesale electricity market; and plans regional transmission expansion improvements to maintain grid reliability and relieve congestion. PJM's regional grid and market operations produce annual savings of $2.8 billion to $3.1 billion. For the latest news about PJM, visit PJM Inside Lines at insidelines.pjm.com.