The PJM Interconnection made its final presentation of recommended transmission projects to reinforce the reliability of the electric grid during a Jan. 6 meeting of PJM’s Transmission Expansion Advisory Committee.
The proposals, part of the 2025 Regional Transmission Expansion Plan Window 1, now move to the Board of Managers for consideration.
Sami Abdulsalam, Director – Transmission Planning, presented an update of the major system needs targeted by the RTEP Window and details of projects recommended by PJM Planning staff to meet them.
The planning window, which was open from June 18 to Aug. 18, 2025, addresses separate needs in the eastern, southern and western areas of the PJM footprint. Those needs are driven by accelerated load growth in multiple regions, the addition of new generation in southern Virginia, the current delays and potential removal of New Jersey offshore wind projects, and increased regional flows toward the eastern portions of PJM’s footprint.
The estimated total cost for this expansion of the transmission system is approximately $11.6 billion.
PJM chose the final recommended projects from a total of 134 proposals – 57 greenfield projects and 77 upgrades to existing facilities – submitted by 19 entities.
The proposals range from simple facility upgrades to new extra-high-voltage transmission lines (500 kV and 765 kV) and grid enhancing technologies such as underground HVDC or advanced conductors.
PJM initially briefed stakeholders on the submitted proposals at the Oct. 8, 2025, TEAC meeting. PJM then reviewed the short list of proposals being considered during the Nov. 4 meeting, and presented first and second reads of the final set of proposed solutions at the Dec. 8, 2025, and Jan. 6, 2026, meetings, respectively.
Also posted with the Jan. 6 meeting materials were the reliability analysis and constructability and construction analysis.
PJM is requesting and encouraging stakeholder feedback related to the selected proposals. Comments sent to PJM Customer Service will be forwarded to the Planning Department and also compiled for Board consideration.
PJM is targeting Board of Managers’ approval for chosen projects in the first quarter of 2026.
