Trans-Allegheny Interstate Line Co. (TrAILCo), a subsidiary of Allegheny Energy Inc., has reached an agreement with the consumer advocate division of the Public Service Commission of West Virginia on certain issues raised in the company's application to construct the Trans-Allegheny Interstate Line (TrAIL), a new 500 kV transmission line.
According to TrAILCo, project benefits for West Virginia and southwestern Pennsylvania include the potential for new generation projects, including clean-coal technologies and renewables, such as wind and hydro.
As part of the settlement agreement, the parties agree that TrAILCo will make payments on behalf of property owners providing easements for TrAIL to offset an amount equal to an average residential customer's annual electric bill, subject to certain limitations. TrAILCo will perform the minimum amount of clearing required for TrAIL construction and maintenance and will not utilize aerial spraying of herbicides in West Virginia for TrAIL. In addition, the consumer advocate will not contest or dispute the need for the electric transmission line.
The agreement requires approval of the commission to be effective.
