Robertson said state code required the commission to determine the need of the project by looking not only at energy reliability needs within the borders of West Virginia, but also the surrounding region.

"The commission's order emphasized that the electricity grid is not constrained by state borders," she said. "The power grid is interconnected and West Virginia must participate in that interconnected electric system to safeguard the availability of well-maintained grid resources."

Corwin said Allegheny chose West Virginia as its primary target for TrAIL approval knowing that the state has a poor record of protecting private property rights. The law states clearly, he said, that the PSC should only approve this line if it benefits West Virginians. He said independent technical experts have testified that the only people who will benefit from this power line are those living in Virginia, Maryland and New Jersery.

He alleged that Allegheny was successful in swaying the PSC to their side by throwing money at the governor's and the PSC's pet projects.

In April, Allegheny Energy and opponents of the line, such as the West Virginia Energy Users Group, PSC Staff and the PSC Consumer Advocate Division put aside their differences and agreed on a proposed route (the Grafton route), financial incentives and other perks if the line is approved.

Robertson countered, "The commission looked at concessions made by parties involved in the settlement and not only saw the financial contributions, but the regional need for continuing electric reliability."

The agreement, Robertson said, contains financial commitments by TrAILCo, along with Monongahela Power Company and The Potomac Edison Company, that are estimated to have a value of $42 million, consisting of a rate credit to residential and industrial customers; contributions to the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity for expansion of the current energy efficiency program; and contributions to low-income energy assistance programs.

In addition, TrAILCo, Mon Power and PE have committed to locating 100 to 150 additional jobs in West Virginia with an estimated additional payroll of $12 million, Robertson said.

Robertson said they will construct a new office in north-central West Virginia estimated to cost $50 million. The agreement also provides that TrAILCo will pay a portion of the electric bills of the owners of property upon which the right-of-way for the line is located.

Corwin said the association, along with the other intervenors in this case will be reviewing the PSC order in detail to determine any future course of action. He said an appeal to the State Supreme Court is an option for any effected party.

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Story Source: The Dominion Post (Morgantown, W.Va.)