NextEra Energy Transmission, LLC, a subsidiary of NextEra Energy, Inc., is the leading competitive electric company in the U.S. that operates approximately 2,200 circuit miles of transmission lines across North America. NextEra Energy Transmission and its subsidiaries have substantial experience creating innovate and cost-effective transmission solutions that are critical to improving the efficiency and reliability of the electric grid. This includes developing, designing and constructing transmission projects across 16 states and Canada.

The MidAtlantic Resiliency Link is a proposed transmission project designed to improve the reliability of the electric grid by building a new approximately 105-mile 500-kV transmission line potentially in the following counties:

• Frederick County, Virginia
• Hampshire County, Mineral County, Preston County and Monongalia County in West Virginia
  
• Allegany County and Garrett County in Maryland
• Fayette County and Greene County in Pennsylvania 

The project also consists of building a new 500/138-kV substation in Frederick County, Virginia. Other transmission developers will be responsible for building the remainder of the proposed transmission line in Frederick County, Virginia; Loudoun County, Virginia; Frederick County, Maryland; and Montgomery County, Maryland.

The project was selected as part of a portfolio of transmission solutions to address reliability concerns resulting from a loss of power generation sources, support for cleaner power sources and additional electricity demand in the region.

The PJM Interconnection (PJM) is a regional transmission organization that is charged by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission with coordinating the sale and movement of electricity in all or parts of 13 states and the District of Columbia. It is PJM’s responsibility to ensure the electricity needs of the 65 million people in its footprint are met. This includes planning for the future needs of the electric system. The proposed MidAtlantic Resiliency Link emerged from the PJM planning process. 

PJM routinely conducts a long-range Regional Transmission Expansion Plan (RTEP) process that identifies what changes and additions to the electric grid are needed to ensure reliability. When undertaking its 2022 RTEP, PJM identified reliability issues resulting from a loss of power generation sources, support for new power sources and additional electricity demand in the region. In response, NextEra Energy Transmission subsidiaries submitted the MidAtlantic Resiliency Link as a proposed solution to help address the reliability concerns.

The regional grid operator selected proposals that were the most effective or cost-efficient solutions for addressing the transmission needs in the study area. In particular, the regional grid operator found that the MidAtlantic Resiliency Link offered the “needed reliability reinforcement to serve both the west to east transfer need and also provide a third supply source."

• With the transmission projects solicited in the 2022 RTEP Window 3, the regional grid operator was preparing for a loss of power generation sources, support for cleaner power sources and additional electricity demand in the region. Along with the other selected proposals, the MidAtlantic Resiliency Link is expected to help ensure the reliable delivery of electricity while being able to scale to serve the future needs of the Mid-Atlantic region as well as the new generation seeking to connect to the grid.

  In addition, the proposed project will increase electric reliability in the region, which would help to minimize power outages and blackouts. Further, the project will spur job opportunities and investment in the local economy while generating additional opportunities for economic development through the expanded transmission capacity. Unlike some other forms of development, the benefits to the economy from this project come without straining existing resources such as roadways or public services.

No route has been confirmed at this time. NextEra Energy Transmission subsidiaries are committed to meeting or exceeding regulatory requirements and working with local communities, regional stakeholders, regulators and landowners to ensure we select the most appropriate transmission route. The main goal of this process is to identify a cost-effective route that avoids or limits impacts to landowners, local communities and the environment while meeting the technical specifications and identified reliability needs established by the regional grid operator.

No route has been confirmed at this time. As part of our project development efforts, NextEra Energy Transmission subsidiaries are committed to cultivating and maintaining strong relationships with local communities as well as establishing ongoing, transparent dialogue so that members of the general public are given the opportunity to be involved and communicate their perspectives. This includes using a variety of tools to keep the community informed about the project and gain input, including mailings, community meetings and social media.

During the routing process, qualified employees and third-party subject-matter experts evaluate potential routes and alternatives. This involves collecting data and feedback to identify constraints, like sensitive habitats or cultural resources, and opportunities, like paralleling roadways. Obtaining input from landowners along the prospective routes, the public, local government and regulatory agencies is critical to the routing process as feedback is incorporated into the routing criteria.  

There are a lot of factors and considerations that go into routing a transmission line, including environmental constraints, civil engineering details, or requirements from the regional grid operator. We are starting to engage with local communities to understand their specific concerns in order to incorporate those into the routing criteria for evaluation.

NextEra Energy Transmission subsidiaries will share potential alternatives on the project website and at open houses for public review and feedback. This is anticipated to occur in Spring 2025. Using that public feedback, the company will further refine the options before filing with the applicable regulatory authorities in each state.

NextEra Energy Transmission subsidiaries are committed to cultivating and maintaining strong relationships with local communities, as well as establishing an ongoing, transparent dialogue, so that the public is given the opportunity to be involved and communicate their perspectives. If you want to be added to our stakeholder email list to receive information about the project, please request it through the form below. Information about the project will be distributed to those interested parties on a regular basis.

NextEra Energy Transmission subsidiaries are developing a detailed routing study to evaluate route options. Upon completion of this process, and the related outreach to notify the public of the proposed and alternative routes, the subsidiaries will file its application with each state’s public service commission.