Local Residents Rally Against Proposed 500kV Line Through Panhandle
Residents in Jefferson County Voice Opposition to MARL transmission line proposal
The Panhandle News Network | Monday, August 11, 2025
Residents in the Eastern Panhandle, particularly in towns like Charles Town and Harpers Ferry, are voicing their opposition to a proposed 500,000-volt transmission line intended to run through the area, connecting Pennsylvania to Virginia. Local property owner Mary Gee, part of a social media group addressing the PJM Interconnection Transmission Proposal 2023, highlighted concerns regarding potential destruction of homes and increased electric bills burdening West Virginians. With opposition also coming from local county officials and a scheduled First Energy Open House at Shepherd University, community members are mobilizing to fight against the project, emphasizing that the fate of the expansion lies with the Public Service Commission's decision.