WE NEED YOUR HELP! MAKE COMMENTS TO FERC
From StopPATHWV
Instructions and details
On Monday, PATH filed a “Status Update” with FERC, telling (not asking!) FERC
that they are “suspending” their project indefinitely while PJM “conducts more
analysis of the PATH project” and “evaluates its planning methods.” In other
words, PJM is intending to alter their processes to again create a need for
PATH, which had disappeared under their current planning process. When that
happens, PATH will be back!
Meanwhile, PATH will be undertaking “activities necessary to maintain the
project in its current state” during the suspension, and guess who gets to pay
for these “activities” during the suspension? We do! Looks like they intend to
continue to waste your money on imprudent expenditures, like front groups, for
an indefinite period of time through their FERC Formula Rate, “which will
continue to apply during the suspension,” just like nothing has happened. So,
PATH intends to continue to charge ratepayers for all project expenses and that
huge 14.3% return every year while their failed project sits on a shelf at PJM
indefinitely.
How long is this suspension supposed to last? That’s really not clear, but
“FirstEnergy spokesman Doug Colafella said it looks like completion of the
project has been delayed until at least 2020, based on PJM’s latest forecasts.”
When FERC granted PATH’s incentives back in 2008, one of the incentives
granted was the ability to recover costs for a project that is abandoned through
no fault of their own, subject to a Section 205 filing with FERC. FERC granted
that incentive for a reason that has now become reality — the PATH project has
failed! However, PJM and PATH were very careful with their word choice in their
press release on Feb. 28th to avoid that “A” word. PATH’s update continues,
“Importantly, the PJM Board has not directed the sponsoring transmission owners
to cancel or abandon the PATH project…” PATH’s “suspension” is an option PATH
is creating. Either they have a project and they proceed, or they don’t have a
project and they abandon it. Instead, they are making up a third option and
hoping FERC will go along with it. FERC has an important decision to make.
Please take a moment to let FERC know what you, the ones financing this project,
think they should do.
We have made it very easy for you to submit your comments either via U.S. Mail
or electronically. Please go to this website for a more in depth explanation
and instructions: http://www.stoppathwv.com/1/post/2011/03/who-wants-to-help-nail-the-coffin-shut.html
PATH hates it when the citizens jump into their playpen at FERC and tell the
truth. PATH would prefer that FERC hear only their version of events. Please
take this important step to end the PATH project on a federal level so it can
never come back!
Talking points for your letter:>
>1. PATH wants to continue to spend an undefined and unlimited amount of funds
recovered from ratepayers and collect their 14.3% return for an indefinite
period of time.
>
> 2. PJM has said their project is not needed. FirstEnergy says their project
may be needed in 2020 or later.
>
> 3. PATH should be properly abandoned at FERC now. To “suspend” the project
and continue to charge ratepayers to maintain it in its current state is unjust
and unreasonable.
>
> 4. The conditions under which PATH received their incentives from FERC have
changed significantly.
>
> 5. Allowing PATH to proceed this way sets a dangerous precedent whereby
utilities will apply for all sorts of projects that they never intend to
complete, but hold in “suspension” indefinitely in order to collect a generous
return from ratepayers.
> > This may be your only opportunity to have a say in PATH’s final status.
Please add your voice!
>
> I know we’ve asked a lot from you over the past couple of years, but if we can
get FERC to shut PATH down for good, it can never rear its ugly head again!
Thanks, everyone!
>
> Please forward this request to send comments to FERC far and wide. Ratepayers
in the following states have been and will continue to pay for PATH under FERC’s
“postage stamp” rates: West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New
Jersey, Delaware, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, North
Carolina and the District of Columbia!