The PJM Interconnection Board of Managers has authorized more than $417 million in electric transmission projects for reliability. Among the largest is the replacement of a large, outdated substation that serves healthcare buildings, government, education, transportation centers and other critical infrastructure customers in Newark, New Jersey.

The Public Service Electric & Gas Newark Switch substation project replaces aging equipment. A new substation adjacent to the existing structure was determined to be the most cost-efficient solution. Relocating the station was also considered but would have been a more costly solution and posed more risk. The project cost is estimated at $275 million.

"The board's approval of these projects reinforces both PJM's fundamental mission of preserving reliability and the value of PJM's independent assessment of transmission needs," said Andrew L. Ott, PJM president and CEO. "Planning is evolving in PJM to consider impacts of new trends. However, studying and planning for reliability remains the top priority," he said.

The PJM Board also approved equipment upgrades and improvements in areas served by American Electric Power; Dominion; Atlantic City Electric Company; PECO Energy Company; Pennsylvania Electric Company; American Transmission Systems, Inc.; East Kentucky Power Cooperative, Inc. and Dayton Power & Light. Most of the individual projects cost less than $5 million.

Since 2000, the PJM Board has approved $31.2 billion in transmission additions and upgrades as part of PJM's Regional Transmission Expansion Plan. For a complete list of today's approved projects, visit pjm.com.

PJM Interconnection, founded in 1927, ensures the reliability of the high-voltage electric power system serving 65 million people in all or parts of Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia and the District of Columbia. PJM coordinates and directs the operation of the region's transmission grid, which includes over 82,000 miles of transmission lines; administers a competitive wholesale electricity market; and plans regional transmission expansion improvements to maintain grid reliability and relieve congestion. PJM's regional grid and market operations produce annual savings of $2.8 billion to $3.1 billion. For the latest news about PJM, visit PJM Inside Lines at insidelines.pjm.com.