Maryland Farm Opposes Major Power Project

A Maryland family farm and local residents are strongly opposing a proposed 500,000-volt transmission line that would span Baltimore, Carroll, and Frederick counties. The project, estimated to cost $424 million and awarded to Public Service Enterprise Group Inc. (PSEG) by PJM, aims to address the rising power demand in Maryland. Set to begin in June 2027, the Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project (MPRP) has yet to finalize its route, which is expected to impact various stakeholders in the region. Local farmer House expressed concerns about the potential negative effects on his business and the broader community, emphasizing that the farm has been a staple for 40 years. He highlighted that the project could harm not only his operations but also the livelihoods of employees and local vendors. The proposed transmission line, approximately 70 miles long, is deemed necessary by PJM for system reinforcements in the Piedmont Plateau region. PSEG has stated that property owners will be compensated at fair market value for any property rights acquired for the project, including tower placements and access. However, House remains skeptical about the adequacy of the compensation, noting that property owners may feel pressured to accept offers. PSEG has conducted six public meetings to gather feedback, receiving over 5,000 comments, and plans to present a preferred route in the coming months. As the community awaits further developments, the tension between the need for increased power infrastructure and the preservation of local businesses continues to grow.