CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The state Public Service Commission has much to consider before it announces its decision on the MARL transmission line project.
The PSC wrapped up five days of testimony Friday on the 100-plus mile project that would start in Pennsylvania and end in Virginia after passing through parts of Monongalia, Preston, Mineral and Hampshire counties.
The multi-day hearing was highlighted by questions and testimony from West Virginia residents, most of them without attorneys, who were allowed to question those with developer NextEra Energy Transmission and those in charge of the electric grid, PJM, which originally sought the project.
Bruceton Mills farmer Michael Clower was the only intervener to take the stand Friday, telling the commission communication with NextEra has been frequent but unclear. He added the line would take up enough space that it no longer be a productive agricultural operation.
“Seems like they don’t want to stay out of my hay field,” Clower said. “There would be two towers in my hay field, and I’ve only got 27.31 acres, so it’s not like I have a lot of acreage.”
Clower testified that the members of West Virginians Against Transmission Line Injustice (WATI) have been informative and helpful over the last 12 to 14 months. Clower also credited the role the PSC plays in reviewing the project and listening to the testimony throughout the week.
“Thank the good Lord above for WATI and what they’re doing for us and for you guys (the PSC),” Clower said. “I don’t know how you do what you do, but I appreciate every one of you.”
There were more than 190 landowners who signed to be interveners on the project and more than 60 of them submitted written testimony to the PSC. The dozens who testified during the week detailed the damage constructing the line would do to retirement homes, farms, businesses, and the environment.
“You know what the consequences of constructing this line is going to be. You’ve heard it from so many witnesses and interveners,” WATI President Tony Campbell told the PSC earlier in the week. “This will forever alter landscape, farms, and families. Once this line is approved and constructed, it will be a forever change.”
The members of WATI have asked the PSC and NextEra Energy to verify the projected load demand that created the need for the MARL. Campbell testified an independent third party would be the best option to get an unbiased check on the proposed future demand for data centers.
“There was no independent verification of the future load demand that justified MARL,” Campbell said.
There was also testimony asking for all parties to make sure all available alternatives to meet the demand were explored. Campbell said there are many similar projections that have fallen apart under scrutiny, and many economic factors are in flux.
“Before the MARL line is approved, we want the PSC to consider the changing environment,” Campbell said. “Last year has shown a lot of dynamic change as far as load forecasting and data center demand, which could impact the MARL.”
The PSC has previously announced it will make a decision on the certification of the project by March 2027.