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PATH and MAPP, a Goliath power grid project proposed from West Virginia to the eastern coast is no longer needed.
The board in charge of the electric grid in the Mid-Atlantic States, PJM, officially decided last Friday to remove the Potomac-Appalachian Transmission Highline (PATH) and Mid-Atlantic Power Pathway (MAPP) lines from PJM's regional transmission plans.
PJM said in press statements released Monday the decision is based on the PJM staff's recommendations.
"The electricity generated by the high transmission power lines is no longer needed on the east coast," the company said.
PJM says projects like PATH and MAPP wouldn't be needed for at least 15 years. Additional power generating stations have also reduced the need for such high voltage lines.
In 2007, PJM decided there was a need to expand transmission service to keep up with consumer demand for electricity but then the recession hit.
Opponents of the project said it was flawed from the beginning, and would have emphasized the use of West Virginia coal-fired power plants, creating additional health hazards for Mountain State citizens.
Both Allegheny Energy and Appalachian Power announced in February 2011 the utilities had suspended the PATH project because the demand had dropped.
A line was supposed to start at the John Amos Power Plant in Putnam County and cross a number of WV counties, including Calhoun.
The MAPP project was to begin in southern Maryland go under the Chesapeake Bay and end in southern Delaware.
See related story PATH POWER LINE APPEARS TO BE DEAD - History Of Opposition To Goliath Project That Was Not Needed
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