Northeast USA regional grid operator PJM Interconnection has selected several electric transmission projects that will be jointly developed by FirstEnergy Transmission LLC, Dominion Energy and American Electric Power Co through its Transource Energy affiliate across multiple states within the PJM footprint.

The companies jointly proposed the projects through PJM’s Regional Transmission Expansion Plan Open Window process in September 2024, and on 26 February they were awarded by the PJM Board of Managers. PJM is the regional transmission organisation that co-ordinates the transportation of wholesale electricity across the 13-state region that includes Virginia, West Virginia and Maryland.

The companies will develop the projects through the recently formed Valley Link Transmission Co joint venture. After a lengthy review process, PJM determined the joint venture’s proposed projects, among others, best met the reliability needs of the grid. The projects aim to support economic development while ensuring supply reliability.

“… we have the opportunity to build robust transmission facilities that will address documented reliability concerns on the regional power grid,” said Mark Mroczynski, president, Transmission, at FirstEnergy. “While we’re in the very early stages, we look forward to engaging with communities and stakeholders in the months ahead to discuss the need for these projects and listen to the ideas and concerns of our customers.”

The selected projects include:

  • Building approximately 260 miles of 765 kV transmission line and two substations between Putnam County, West Virginia, and Frederick County, Maryland;
  • Building approximately 155 miles of 765 kV transmission line and a substation between Campbell County, Virginia, and Fauquier County, Virginia;
  • Building a new substation in Caroline County, Virginia.

The projects are in the early stages of development and do not have a firm time frame yet for permitting, regulatory approvals and construction. Following PJM’s recent awards, the companies will advance the development of project details, which includes assessing potential routes and conducting thorough environmental studies.

In addition to the jointly developed projects, PJM selected several other transmission projects that will be developed individually by each of the three companies in their service areas.