What Is It?
The Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project proposes to construct a high-voltage electricity transmission line across approximately 70 miles of land, cutting through Baltimore, Carroll, and Frederick Counties. The company contracted to oversee the project and build the power line, the Public Service Enterprise Group, (PSEG), cannot begin work until granted approval by the Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC).
Frederick County Government has no legal authority in the approval or disapproval of this project. The County Executive and County Council strongly oppose the project and support residents in their advocacy to protect their homes and businesses, as well as the agricultural heritage, environmental resources, and valued historic amenities of our community. As such, residents are urged to stay informed, express their concerns, and submit comments as part of the official public record for this project using the information below.
Public Process and Project Status
PSEG filed an application for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessitywith the Maryland Public Service Commission on December 31, 2024. The application is filed as Case Number 9773. The public is encouraged to attend hearings and/or submit input on this application.
- Comments can be submitted by mail, email, or in person at public hearings.
- The MD Public Service Commission’s instructions for submitting comments are here: https://www.psc.state.md.us/make-a-public-comment.
- The Service Commission will hold public hearings in counties where the project is proposed to be constructed. Notice of these hearings will be posted on the Commission’s website, in the docket for Case No. 9773, and on their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/marylandpsc.gov
- Learn more about the process for Certificates of Public Convenience and Necessity.
Comments received before the application’s 12/31/2024 filing will be added to the State’s public comments file for Case 97723 so that the Commission has the benefit of the public’s view.
- View the current proposed route of the transmission line: https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/ead641cb808140eea82ca58900c25ecb#data_s=id%3Awidget_4_output_config_0%3A0
- Click this link for the proposed project’s website: Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project https://corporate.pseg.com/aboutpseg/companyinformation/thepsegfamilyofcompanies/psegrenewabletransmission/mprp
Project and Frederick County Engagement Timeline
July 18, 2024: The Office of the County Executive issued a press release regarding the project and urged constituents to submit feedback to the Public Service Commission.
August 8, 2024: Frederick County Government directed a letter expressing concerns to PSEG, which can be read here. Council members Brad Young, Steve McKay, and Mason Carter declare open opposition to the project.
August 30, 2024: Frederick County Executive Jessica Fitzwater announced that she will convene a community meeting that includes staff of the project development group. (See video below.)
September 4, 2024: A joint letter was directed to the Maryland Public Service Commission from the Frederick County Executive and County Council, to state their “strong opposition to the current proposals for the alignment of the new 70-mile 500kV transmission line.”
September 27, 2024: CE Fitzwater sent a letter to PJM urging the company to participate in an October 9 community meeting.
September 27, 2024: MPRP Project Director Jason Kalwa sent a letter to update Maryland leaders on the project.
October 3, 2024: PJM Senior Vice President Asim Haque responded to CE Fitzwater’s September 27 letter.
October 9, 2024: Frederick County hosts a public meeting in the auditorium of Oakdale High School. View PSEG’s presentation. Watch a recording of the meeting.
October 18, 2024: PSEG announcedadjustments to the proposed power line route that will be part of its final application to the Maryland Public Service Commission.
November 14, 2024: PSEG conducts a community meeting at the Brunswick Fire Hall.
November 18, 2024: County Executive Jessica Fitzwater and the Frederick County Council send a joint letter to the Maryland Public Service Commission opposing the Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project.
December 9, 2024: Public Service Commission Chair Hoover responded to the Nov. 18 joint letter.
December 31, 2024: PSEG filed an application with the Maryland Public Service Commission for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity.
As the MPRP moves through the required processes, the County Executive and County Council will continue to monitor this project closely. This page will be updated as information becomes available.