During the hearing, Trans-Allegheny Interstate Line Company (Trailco) witnesses, including a representative of PJM Interconnection, the regional grid operator which directed the line to be constructed, will reportedly testify to the need for the line and the proposed route.
Trailco stated that the line is critical to the ongoing reliability of the grid to meet the growing demand for electricity. Trailco noted that, in Allegheny Power’s Virginia service territory, historical summer peak loads grew by more than 60% between 1995 and 2005.
PJM has warned that without the Trans-Allegheny interstate line, the stability of the grid and reliable flow of electricity within the region cannot be reasonably assured.
