The Mid-Atlantic region relies on a congested power system that can't meet rising demand without significant upgrades. As per a report on the US Energy Infrastructure, 'electricity demand has increased by about 25% since 1990, while construction of transmission facilities decreased by about 30%.' Meanwhile, the demand for power in this region is projected to increase by nearly 20% over the next 10 years.
As a result of this increasing demand for power, the existing transmission system in the region will not be able to keep up in the years ahead. Experts such as PJM, the regional transmission operator, and the U.S. Department of Energy have concluded that building new transmission will help address this problem.
Click here to download a printable PDF document of the overview diagram.
The Mid-Atlantic Power Pathway Solution
The Mid-Atlantic Power Pathway, a 152 mile transmission line, is part of the solution to providing reliable, cost-effective electricity to the Mid-Atlantic region. As the first major power line to connect Southern Maryland with the Delmarva Peninsula, it will:
- Create an additional path to transport power to the Delmarva Peninsula, providing and improving access to electricity generation sources west of the Chesapeake Bay
- Complement other planned transmission projects by transporting bulk energy throughout the Mid-Atlantic region
- Relieve an overloaded transmission system to better serve customers and stabilize increasing costs
- Enable renewable projects to move power throughout the region
- Support distribution systems used by local utilities and cooperative and municipal electric companies
Sensitive to Environmental and Community Concerns
PHI understands that there will be environmental and community concerns associated with the construction of this new line and we are taking a comprehensive approach to planning. Our priority is to minimize impacts to natural resources along the entire route.
- More than 85 percent of the line will be built on or adjacent to existing rights-of-way
- Environmental and archaeological studies will occur along the project corridors, with a focus on the Bay, wetlands and other sensitive areas before any construction begins
- The line will include an underwater crossing of the Chesapeake Bay and Choptank River using the most advanced underwater line placement technology
- A majority of oyster repletion areas will be avoided, with mitigation for any that are disturbed
- The company continues to gather input from landowners, residents, environmental groups and government officials throughout the process
For more information, download the following fact sheets:
Mid-Atlantic Power Pathway Overview