Building a Stronger Grid for West Virginia
Blackouts shouldn’t be a way of life in West Virginia — or a costly burden for families and businesses.
PJM Interconnection, West Virginia’s regional grid operator, says new transmission lines are the key to keeping the lights on.
Here are two proposals that could make it happen.
Mid-Atlantic Resiliency Link (MARL)
Keeping West Virginia Lights On
A 105-mile, 500 kV “energy highway” connecting Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Maryland, and Virginia. MARL strengthens our power backbone so storms or failures on old lines don’t take towns and counties offline.
More Reliable
Built with storm-resistant structures and state-of-the-art materials.
More Resilient
Multiple routes so power keeps flowing even if one line fails.
More Secure
A stronger grid for homes, farms, and businesses.
Valley Link (Proposed 765 kV Line)
Powering West Virginia Into the Next Century
A high-capacity 765 kV line from Putnam County, WV, to Frederick, MD—designed to carry more electricity over longer distances, meeting future demand head-on.
Bigger Capacity
Ready for today’s and tomorrow’s power needs.
Regional Strength
Supports growth across the entire Mid-Atlantic.
Economic Security
Prevents costly outages and helps attract new investment.
How Consumers in West Virginia Win
Economic Growth:
1. Creates 100s of construction jobs
2. Pumps up local revenue
3. Attracts business
4. Tax payments to counties
5. Supports West Virginia’s energy export economy
Plus:
Fewer outages, faster power recovery: Extra transmission paths mean quicker power recovery during storms.
Lower costs over time: Prevents expensive food loss, equipment failure, medical risks, and downtime. A recent report found that for every $1 spent on transmission returns up to $4.70 in customer benefits.
Safer, stronger communities: Keeps schools, hospitals, and farms running in any weather.