PUC rejects PPL’s attempt at eminent domain in lower Northumberland County
“Two administrative law judges from the state Public Utility Commission (PUC) made a recommendation to deny nine applications of eminent domain filed by PPL Electric Utilities, including seven properties in Lower Mahanoy Township, Northumberland County.
The ruling pleased rural landowners who are fighting PPL’s plans for a new transmission line, while PPL said Friday it will appeal.
“We thank the judges for listening to the community and property owners,” Roy Maurer, of Dalmatia, said in a statement he distributed to local media on behalf of the landowners involved. “In our opinion,” he said, the judges “reached the proper and rightful decision.”
PPL disagrees and will file exceptions by the Monday deadline, spokesman Paul Wirth said Friday.
“We are urging the PUC to approve the applications because this project is needed by the customers in that area,” he said.”
Gilger, Mark. News Item 12 January 2013.