It look like the PATH transmission line project could be scrapped altogether. The Potomac Appalachian Transmission Highline was proposed by PJM Interconnection to solve peak power demand problems in future years. But now it looks like the system is adequate enough to meet future electricity needs.

Beginning in 2007, PJM told its members utilities, including Potomac Edison (then known as Allegheny Power), to build the line which would begin near Charleston, West Virginia, and continue through Virginia and end near Mount Airy, Maryland, where a large substation was to be constructed.

Spokesman Ray Dotter says PJM had projected that the line was needed because increased power demands could cause a strain on the current system, and could lead to overloads and overheating of the lines, and even some shutting down. "However, because of additional generation, demand response, and because the economy has been so slow and growth hasn't occurred at the rate it was expected years ago, we're not seeing those kind of things develop," he says.

PJM suspended the project in 2011 because it felt it was not needed at that time. But that still meant that it could be revived in future years. "We indicate that the analysis that was done this year at this point is not showing any of the violations, any of the problems that were identified two years ago, for example," he says.

PJM planning staff will present their latest analysis to the board, which could decide in the fall to scrap the PATH transmission line altogether.

PJM is the grid operator for 13 states, including Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia.