PJM approves $134M in grid upgrades

PJM has authorized nearly $134 million in electric transmission system upgrades to the Regional Transmission Expansion Plan (RTEP).

The upgrades are designed to enhance reliability for the 65 million people PJM serves. The RTEP determines the needs of the regional transmission system.

PJM is a regional transmission organization (RTO) that coordinates the movement of wholesale electricity in Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia and the District of Columbia.

Of the $134 million investment, $58.6 million will be used to rebuild 20 miles of the East Towanda-North Meshoppen 115 kV line and adjusting relay settings in the Penelec Transmission Zone in Pennsylvania. Further, $24.7 million will be invested to rebuild the Michigan City-Trail Creek-Bosserman 138 kV line in MISO’s Northern Indiana Public Service Company (NIPSCO) Transmission Zone in Indiana. Also, $22 million will go toward the creation of a line terminal at Belle Haven Delivery Point and the installation of a 21-mile line from the Kellam substation to the new Bayview substation in the ODEC Transmission Zone in Virginia.

PJM uses an open process to plan for changes to the electric grid in the region it serves. PJM’s process looks ahead 15 years and assesses the many variables that affect grid reliability. PJM looks at many scenarios and analyzes various grid conditions that could cause problems in how energy flows throughout the region. When issues are identified, PJM works with transmission owners and other stakeholders to determine the best solution.