Gov. John Carney remains unhappy with a decision by regional grid manager PJM Interconnection to move ahead with a costly power line project.
A committee endorsed moving forward with the $265 million project, according to Sussan Buehler, chief communications officer for PJM Interconnection.
The recommendation will be considered by the PJM board in April.
The proposal has been fiercely opposed by Maryland and Delaware after earlier putting the project on hold for further study.
Carney issued the following statement:
“This project, as currently financed, would place an unjust burden on Delaware residential and industrial ratepayers. Delaware businesses and families would see higher monthly electric bills, and receive next to nothing in return in the way of a direct benefit. I intend to work with members of Delaware’s federal delegation, the Public Service Commission, our Public Advocate, and the General Assembly to oppose the current cost allocation as set by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. This is not a good deal for Delaware.”
The $265 million project aims to deal with power stability problems at a nuclear plant that is some distance from big power users on the grid. Building a powerline to Delmarva Power connections in Delaware would provide a relief valve for the plant.
However, under accepted formulas that pay for such projects, Delaware and Maryland ratepayers would foot most of the bill, but derive little benefit.
High electric power costs have been cited as a negative factor in Delaware’s business climate with the state’s alternative energy mandates viewed by critics as a factor. (See earlier story below).
