After being pelted with correspondence from transmission developers, regulators, and environmental organizations promising vehement opposition, the PJM Board of Managers "delayed action" on PJM staff's recommendation of PSE&G's "7K" project to solve its Artificial Island problem.
But lest you think sanity has finally prevailed and the Board has rolled back the process to ensure it is carried out fairly and transparently going forward, don't be silly! The Board has merely kicked it back to staff in order for the other four "finalist" bidders to "supplement" their projects to try to undercut finalist LS Power's self-imposed cost cap on its project.
So, how hard can it be to simply make up a number lower than LS Power's $171M construction cost cap? It's not like anyone's going to hold them to it, right? PJM doesn't have any performance standards for transmission developers and is unlikely to bat an eye at "unforeseeable" cost overruns.
PJM's Herling also says that his TEAC will "review" specific issues with process and transparency that were raised in the letters. Who wants to guess how that will go? Herling rules the TEAC with an iron fist. He also babbles on about how "especially challenging" new process can be. I have to agree, it's especially challenging to continue on like nothing's changed when you're supposed to be following new rules and the unruly children challenge your authority.
Still no recognition about PJM's incorrect determination of the "constructability" of the PSE&G project. This despite an even more pointed letter from the Delaware Riverkeeper, promising "active and committed opposition" to the selected project.
But don't worry, PSE&G also made an appearance with a letter defending its project. Send in the clowns!
PSE&G says that they are the preferred choice of park rangers everywhere when it comes to having precious national park resources destroyed by transmission developers:
But lest you think sanity has finally prevailed and the Board has rolled back the process to ensure it is carried out fairly and transparently going forward, don't be silly! The Board has merely kicked it back to staff in order for the other four "finalist" bidders to "supplement" their projects to try to undercut finalist LS Power's self-imposed cost cap on its project.
So, how hard can it be to simply make up a number lower than LS Power's $171M construction cost cap? It's not like anyone's going to hold them to it, right? PJM doesn't have any performance standards for transmission developers and is unlikely to bat an eye at "unforeseeable" cost overruns.
PJM's Herling also says that his TEAC will "review" specific issues with process and transparency that were raised in the letters. Who wants to guess how that will go? Herling rules the TEAC with an iron fist. He also babbles on about how "especially challenging" new process can be. I have to agree, it's especially challenging to continue on like nothing's changed when you're supposed to be following new rules and the unruly children challenge your authority.
Still no recognition about PJM's incorrect determination of the "constructability" of the PSE&G project. This despite an even more pointed letter from the Delaware Riverkeeper, promising "active and committed opposition" to the selected project.
But don't worry, PSE&G also made an appearance with a letter defending its project. Send in the clowns!
PSE&G says that they are the preferred choice of park rangers everywhere when it comes to having precious national park resources destroyed by transmission developers:
For example, the Susquehanna-Roseland project had environmental and other types of challenges, but PSE&G and its co-developer, PPL Electric Utilities Corporation, overcame the challenges to get the line sited and built. The
National Park Service spokesperson for Delaware Water Gap National Recreation area recently stated: “They worked through one heck of a winter. They didn't miss too many days. ... If you have to have somebody building a power line in your backyard, these folks were great to work with.”
So, if you want to have your backyard destroyed, remember to call PSE&G for fast, prompt and friendly service!
And is this supposed to be a threat or a promise?
And is this supposed to be a threat or a promise?
The same PSE&G team that brought Susquehanna-Roseland to a successful conclusion is committed to this project.
Oh, dear heavens, NO! The Susquehanna Roseland project was a permitting disaster that cost ratepayers $60M in hush money to the Department of the Interior in exchange for allowing the destruction of a park that belongs to these very same ratepayers. The $60M "mitigation" fronted by PSE&G will be re-paid to the company over the many decades that this project will be in service. The re-payment will come out of ratepayer pockets and will reward PSE&G with a 12.9% yearly return on its "investment" in the "mitigation" hush money.
With friends like that, ratepayers are sure to be smiling all the way to the poor house!
Stay tuned... sounds like the PJM fun is only beginning at Artificial Island!
With friends like that, ratepayers are sure to be smiling all the way to the poor house!
Stay tuned... sounds like the PJM fun is only beginning at Artificial Island!
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