USA, Maryland: Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE) has asked state regulators to approve a nearly $1.1 B transmission project aimed at strengthening Maryland’s power grid.
The proposed project includes a 94-km (59-mi), 500 kV transmission line running through Baltimore, Howard and Harford counties. BGE says the upgrade is urgently needed after the regional grid faced major stress during a recent holiday heat wave, leaving thousands of customers without electricity.
The company submitted its Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity application on 26 June. This approval process is required before BGE can move forward with construction of high-voltage transmission infrastructure.
The new line would connect the High Ridge substation in Howard County to the Maryland-Pennsylvania state line near the Graceton substation in Harford County. The project would also include upgrades to BGE’s existing 500 kV transmission line.
According to BGE, the High Ridge line is one of five proposed works included in the Tri-County Transmission Upgrade Project. The wider programme is designed to improve the regional transmission system and increase grid reliability.
Other planned works include reconductoring 38 km (24 mi) of transmission lines in Baltimore and Harford counties, building a new higher-capacity system at the Maryland-Pennsylvania border, and upgrading existing substation and line infrastructure.
The project reflects growing pressure on utilities to reinforce transmission networks as electricity demand rises and extreme weather places additional strain on ageing grid infrastructure.
Source: WBFF FOX45
