Pocono News Section

Angry Energy at Utility Commission Meeting

Angry Energy at Utility Commission Meeting - Friday, March 20, 2009 at 3:35PM EST

Reported by: Laurie Monteforte
Friday, Mar 20, 2009 @ 03:35pm EST
LEHMAN TOWNSHIP, PIKE COUNTY - There was lots of angry energy at a public meeting about a proposed PPL power line Friday afternoon. PPL plans to put a 101 mile long high voltage power line through northeastern Pennsylvania. It will run through Monroe, Pike, Lackawanna, Luzerne and Wayne counties.

Paul and Chris Irwin-Dudek were always concerned about the proposed power line. When they adopted ten week old Kensington Grace a few months ago, their concern turned to worry. Paul said, "It creates an additional stake that we have in the game here."

They and more than 200 other people crowded into the Pennsylvania Utility Commission Hearing in Saw Creek Estates. Nearly 30 protesters explained why they believe PPL should build its new power line somewhere else. Many complained the lines could ruin scenery and lower property values.

The current lines average about 100 feet tall. The new ones could reach 190 feet. "Would you like to look at that on your back deck?" asked Diane Morro.

PPL Spokesperson Paul Wirth explained the height requirement. He said, "One of the reasons for the higher towers is to make magnetic fields lower and we build power lines like that now because of health concerns. But not everyone bought his answer. Irwin-Dudek said, "The line that they want to put in does have a significant link to cancer."

PPL also argued the new line will follow an old power line through the development. One that's been there since 1928. Wirth said, "This development was built around the power line. Everybody who bought a house here knew the line was there. This is an upgrade of that existing power line."

Morro reacted, "The lines were there when we moved in but the tower is going to be a little closer to my backyard and it's going to be twice the size!"

Much of the crowd wants the power company to put the lines under ground or in another community. "It may cost a little bit more but how can you put a price tag on a life like this?" asked Paul as he cradled his baby girl.

The Pennsylvania Utility Commission is expected to make a decision next year.

Wirth said PPL is doing its best to work with the community. The spokesperson said the company has already agreed to leave a tree buffer between the base of the lines and people's homes.