New power line hearing granted following Delaware complaints

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission will reconsider the April decision that would have forced Delaware to bare the bulk of the cost of building new transmission line to the Salem/Hope Creek nuclear power plant.

 

Delaware leaders including Governor Jack Markell and the state’s Congressional delegation filed a complaint with the FERC after their ruling that Delaware would have to pay the majority of the $272 million project to connect the Artificial Island nuclear complex to the state. They called the costs “not sustainable” for Delaware electric users.

The FERC granted a new hearing, although a date hasn’t been set.

“We are pleased to find out that our joint request for rehearing has been granted for further consideration,” said Bob Howatt , Delaware Public Service Commission executive director. “We strongly feel that we have addressed the criteria set by the FERC as to why this project should be treated differently than other transmission projects. We will continue to fight for Delaware in an effort to reduce the cost allocation for this project.”

You can read more about the proposal at the Delaware Public Service Commission’s website.