PSC staff seeks pause of NextEra MARL transmission project

Staff at the Public Service Commission (PSC) have requested a pause or dismissal of the MidAtlantic Resiliency Link (MARL) Project case. This request follows five proposed route revisions submitted by NextEra Energy Transmission MidAtlantic (NEET MA).

Commission staff noted that these revisions, which NextEra described as minor, affect three landowners who were not previously included in the proceedings. Staff expressed concern that the current timeline does not allow for adequate due process for these individuals, especially as the changes come shortly before an evidentiary hearing.

The proposed changes include a route adjustment to minimize forest fragmentation in the White Horse Mountain Wildlife Management Area and adjustments to accommodate residential dwellings. These revisions are estimated to add nearly $1 million to the total project cost. Additionally, staff cited new directives from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission as a source of uncertainty regarding the project.