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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about current proposals to build electric transmission lines in Maine.
- What cases have been filed at the Public Utilities Commission?
CMP Reliability Case (“MPRP”). In this case, CMP seeks authority to invest approximately $1.5 billion in its bulk transmission system, claiming that if it does nothing, it will not be able to keep the lights on past 2010.
CMP/MPS Connection Case (“MPC”). CMP and MPS jointly propose to build a high voltage (345kv) line that would connect northern and southern Maine electrically. The driving force behind this proposal is a proposed 800MW wind farm slated for construction throughout Aroostook County.
The question to be answered in both of these cases is whether the lines are “needed”. In the first case, they will be needed if without them, we would be exposed to blackouts at certain times of the year. In the second case, the need is more difficult to quantify, since it is associated with renewable energy that seeks purchasers throughout New England. We remain curious to see how the Commission addresses the “need” in this case.
- When will these cases be decided?
- We expect the Commission to issue orders in these cases sometime before June 30, 2009.
- What it the role of the Public Advocate in these cases?
- By statute, our job is to represent the “using and consuming” public, i.e. ratepayers. We do not represent the interests of individual ratepayers or their unique concerns. Rather, we represent what we believe to be the overall best interests of ratepayers as a group. In a case such as this, we will have two overarching concerns: reliability of power supply (will the lights go out if this line is not built?) and the cost. Because of these overarching concerns, we do not and can not represent the interests of ratepayers who happen to live adjacent to existing or proposed transmission lines. We do, however, understand that transmission lines cause a great deal of upset to many who live near them.
- We have hired expert consultants to help us analyze each filing. They will look at the current electrical system, the projected growth in electricity usage over the next five to ten years and at a host of policy and regulatory issues in order to determine whether either line is needed.
- Will the Public Advocate present arguments about the location of the line?
- Our primary role on behalf of ratepayers is to advocate for the least cost way of providing reliable power. So, we balance cost with reliability. Generally, the utilities claim to be using existing land rights (easements and fee ownership interests) for these proposed upgrades. In spite of the fact that many individuals live adjacent to these existing utility rights of way, we believe it is appropriate for these rights of way to be used by the utility if they prove the need for the line. It would be much more expensive to require the utility to buy up all the land rights necessary to create a whole new right of way, even though doing so might lessen the impact on those who live next to existing rights of way. Thus, we are very unlikely to become involved in questions about where these lines go.
- What can I do to get involved?
- There are several levels of possible involvement. First, you have the right to intervene in the case as a full party. If you do this, you will receive virtually every piece of paper or electronic information filed in the case, including notice of all meetings, technical conferences, hearings and proceedings. If you become a full party, you will have the option to submit substantive testimony about the technical aspects of the proposals, however you are not required to do so. Most of the “regular” parties do this through the use of expert witnesses. Short of this, you may request to be an “interested person” in which case you will receive notice of important developments and public hearings. Third, the PUC must hold public witness hearings; in these cases, it is likely that there will be several such hearings throughout the state. At these hearings, any person may testify on their views about the case. Finally, people may put their views in writing to the Commission.
- Are there other permits required before the utility can build the line?
- Yes. For example, the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has jurisdiction over the environmental impacts caused by the line. The Public Advocate does not have the authority or expertise to participate in the DEP process.
- What other recourse might I have?
- If the utility has an easement over your property that it intends to use to build a new (or upgrade and existing) transmission line, you may consider consulting a real estate attorney to make sure that the language in your deed is not violated. If this were the case, the recourse would be through the courts and not the PUC. We do not participate in these types of disputes.
- Where can I obtain more information?
- Most public documents associated with the case are on the Commission’s web site and may be found under the entry for on-line documents/virtual case file. You may access these documents by going to http://mpuc.informe.org/easyfile/easyweb.php?func=easyweb_splashpage and entering the docket number in the “case ID” block (in these cases the docket numbers are: for CMP’s reliability case it is 2008255, and for the CMP/MPS northern connection case it is 2008256).
- What will these transmission lines look like?
- The Companies propose to build either 345kv or 115kv lines. Both of these are “cross country” lines that do not run down streets and roads. The larger lines will be on very tall poles, possibly a wooden “H frame” or a metal lattice structure, and will likely require at least a 190 foot wide cleared right of way. The 115kv lines could also be “H frame” but are more likely to be a single pole with “davit arms” off the side on which the wires would hang. These would likely require 130 feet of cleared right of way. Until more detail emerges in the cases, the actual size and configuration will be uncertain. We note that the size and spacing of transmission towers is governed by the North American Reliability Council (NERC) and carry the force of law. In other words, in most cases, it may not be possible to use shorter poles.
- Will these lines emit high levels of EMFs? (what are EMFs?)
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EMFs are electromagnetic fields, and are potentially emitted by anything that conducts electricity (including appliances in your home). Because transmission lines conduct high voltage electricity, they do emit EMFs. There has been much study of the effects of EMFs on humans (including studies of electric line workers), and to date there is no clear connection with human illness. There is, however, a “suggestion” that EMFs may contribute to childhood leukemia. If you live next to an existing line that will be upgraded, it is likely to lessen any current EMFs since the line will be bigger, dissipating the EMFs, and if the poles are higher, the line will be further away from you.
To learn more, recommend that you start with the following websites:
- Will these lines affect the value of my property?
- We have seen arguments presented on both sides of these questions. In prior cases, the utilities have asserted that a new transmission line built next to a residence does not in fact negatively affect the value. Homeowners, on the other hand, have maintained that it does. The answer to this question likely depends on the unique circumstances of your particular location.
- When will construction begin?
- Construction activity is likely to begin in some areas as soon as the PUC grants a certificate.
- Can the utility take my property?
- View an FAQ about Eminent Domain.
This fact sheet is for general information purposes and does not constitute legal advice.
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