Pennsylvania energy company PJM is rebooting its controversial Artificial Island utility transmission project seven months after suspending it.
Widely panned by the Delaware’s two most recent governors, the project would lay a new transmission line from New Jersey, across the Delaware Bay and into the First State as a way to boost PJM’s electric grid capacity.
Only about 10 percent of Delawareans would see any utility benefits from the move while most residents would pay 60 percent of the bill.
The newer and much cheaper Artificial Island proposal from PJM would still cost those customers more than $165 million – and that number could go up based on actual construction costs.
“This project, as currently financed, would place an unjust burden on Delaware residential and industrial ratepayers,” said Gov. John Carney (D). “This is not a good deal for Delaware.”
Company officials suspended the project last August after the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) ordered a new hearing to cement how much the states involved will pay.
PJM’s board of directors will vote on the proposal next month.
If it passes, PJM could begin construction on the Artificial Island project, but the cost-sharing portion will still need federal approval.
FERC needs one more member to legally issue orders – the first time in its 40-year history, according to Politico.
“Right now, we’re in a holding pattern,” said Delaware Public Advocate Drew Slater.
President Trump hasn’t yet nominated anyone to be considered by the Senate. It’s unknown when the regulatory body will next meet.
