Smithfield Residents Confront Transmission Proposal as Regulatory Clock Nears

NextEra Energy's 500-kilovolt transmission line project faces pushback from local community

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

More than 160 Smithfield, Pennsylvania residents attended a town hall meeting to voice concerns over a proposed 500-kilovolt transmission line project by NextEra Energy. The 107.5-mile line would cross through portions of Fayette and Greene counties, and residents are preparing for a potential legal and regulatory battle as the company prepares to file its application with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission in the coming days.

Why it matters

The proposed transmission line project is part of a broader reliability strategy by regional grid operator PJM Interconnection, aimed at stabilizing power supply in the Virginia and Washington, D.C. region. However, some local lawmakers question the timing and necessity of the project, given Pennsylvania's own reliability concerns. Residents are also worried about potential impacts on their properties and the environment.

The details

NextEra Energy is expected to file its application for the Mid-Atlantic Resiliency Link with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission in the coming days. The 107.5-mile project would originate in Dunkard Township, Greene County, and extend south toward northern Virginia, with approximately 4 miles crossing Greene County and 7 miles passing through Fayette County before continuing into West Virginia and Maryland. An alternate configuration would shift more of the route into Fayette County. Once the application is accepted, landowners will have a limited window to respond by submitting written objections, filing formal protests, or petitioning to intervene in the case.

  • NextEra Energy is expected to file its application for the Mid-Atlantic Resiliency Link with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission in the coming days.
  • The commission will establish response deadlines and hearing schedules once the application is docketed.

The players

NextEra Energy

An American electric utility company that is developing the proposed 500-kilovolt transmission line project.

Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission

The state regulatory agency that will evaluate NextEra Energy's application and determine whether to grant the company public utility status and eminent domain authority.

Charity Grimm Krupa

A Pennsylvania state representative who questioned the timing and necessity of the transmission line project given the state's own reliability concerns.

Bud Cook

A Pennsylvania state representative who spoke at the town hall meeting.

Darryl Lawrence

The Pennsylvania Consumer Advocate who explained the regulatory process and options for residents to participate.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission will establish response deadlines and hearing schedules once NextEra Energy's application is docketed. Residents have the option to submit written objections, file formal protests, or petition to intervene in the case.

The takeaway

This proposed transmission line project highlights the complex interplay between regional energy infrastructure needs, local community concerns, and state-level regulatory oversight. Residents in Smithfield are mobilizing to ensure their voices are heard and their property rights are protected as the formal review process unfolds.