Allegheny Energy, Inc. and American Electric Power today reiterated a request to regulators in Virginia for permission to withdraw the previously submitted application to build the Potomac-Appalachian Transmission Highline (PATH) project in the state. Today’s request considers new information recently provided by regional grid operator PJM Interconnection, suggesting the project appears not to be needed in 2014 to resolve reliability problems on the electric grid.

However, the data recently received from PJM is preliminary and not sufficient to identify a specific in-service date for the project. PJM is in the process of preparing its more comprehensive 2010 Regional Transmission Expansion Plan (RTEP), which will identify an in-service date.

Based on the delivery of the 2010 RTEP later next year, a new application in Virginia is not expected before the third quarter of 2010.

PJM supports PATH-VA’s motion to withdraw, which will allow time for PJM to perform a comprehensive review of system needs as part of its RTEP process. AEP and Allegheny remain responsive to PJM and are committed to having the line in place as directed by the grid operator. The companies also support their affiliates’ existing applications seeking approval for the PATH project in West Virginia and Maryland, which will consider the 2010 RTEP information.