Local Concerns Rise Over Proposed Transmission Line Near Harpers Ferry
FirstEnergy transmission line project raises questions, concerns
The Winchester Star | Tuesday, August 19, 2025
FirstEnergy's proposal for a new 500-kV transmission line through Frederick County raises concerns among local residents and officials, particularly regarding its impact on property values and aesthetics. During an open house event in Winchester, stakeholders, including those from neighboring areas like Charles Town and Harpers Ferry, voiced apprehensions about the new substation and the need for additional rights of way. The upgrades aim to address the electricity demand driven by regional growth, particularly from data centers, without increasing overall energy supply, prompting worries about potential price hikes. The project has implications not only for Frederick County but also for nearby areas and local residents who may be affected.