The US regional grid operator PJM Interconnection has approved several new power transmission projects that PJM added to its Regional Transmission Expansion Plan. They will be jointly developed by American Electric Power (AEP), Dominion Energy and FirstEnergy Transmission across several eastern US States.
The selected projects include the construction of approximately 260 miles (418 km) of 765 kV transmission lines and two substations between Putnam County, West Virginia and Frederick County, Maryland; the construction of 155 miles (249 km) of 765 kV transmission lines and a substation between Campbell County, Virginia and Fauquier County, Virginia; and the construction of a new substation in Caroline County, Virginia. The projects will be developed by the three companies through the recently formed Valley Link Transmission Company joint venture.
These new projects, combined with changes by PJM to the scope and cost of existing projects, mean the latest Regional Transmission Expansion Plan is set to require an investment of approximately US$6bn.