What does the MAPP suspension mean for PATH?
If you are a regular reader of The Power Line, you probably realize that whether the PATH line gets built or not depends on many factors, not just the WV PSC’s decision on a WV certificate of need.
One of the most important factors is whether or not PJM Interconnection’s engineers claim there is a need for PATH. MAPP is in such trouble now because early in 2009, PJM’s engineers ran their numbers and decided that a big chunk of MAPP in Delaware was no longer needed. At the same time, PJM’s engineers pushed the “needed” start up date for PATH back another year to 2014.
PJM will do another revision of its need calculations for PATH in January 2010, based on actual experience in PJM Interconnection in 2009. It is likely that the startup date for PATH could be pushed back another year or that the need for PATH, according to PJM’s calculations, could disappear.
It is not likely that PJM would recommend a total scrapping of PATH. It is more likely that PJM’s engineers would postpone the project or eliminate a section of the line.
After all, all of PJM’s NERC violations lie in the eastern half of PATH, between Welton Springs and the eastern end of PATH, wherever that ends up being. The only reason the Amos to Welton Springs section exists is so that AEP can move its power to high profit centers on the east coast.
It may very well happen that when the WV PSC evidentiary hearings begin in February 2010, intervenors in the case will have the opportunity to make a motion to suspend or drop the case because of a decision that PJM renders in early 2010.
There is a deadline of 400 days in the WV law that does not allow the PSC to delay a decision. That does not mean that the PSC has to approve PATH. They could decide that, as the MD DNR said, the PSC “cannot continue to expend significant State time and resources to evaluate a potentially changing project” and reject the current application, telling AEP/Allegheny to re-apply when they have a project that is ready to be built.
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