West Penn Power project to support Robinson compressor
Editor’s note: This story has been updated to correct information inadvertently included about a Cecil Township project.
West Penn Power is building a new $3 million transmission line to support the new MarkWest compressor station under construction in Robinson Township.
In May, the Robinson Township superviors voted 2-1 to approve construction of the electric-powered natural gas compressor station about a half-mile north of routes 980 and 50.
On Friday, West Penn Power spokesman Todd Meyers said the new transmission line will connect to an existing transmission line to provide electrical service to the compressor station. As part of the project, crews are erecting 28 wood, steel and laminated transmission structures along the 1.7-mile route near Route 980 and Quicksilver Golf Course.
Electric power cuts down on emissions and is quieter than gas engines.
Meyers said the new transmission line is expected to be completed in September prior to the completion of the facility, which is expected to be in operation later this year.
The compressor station will compress and transport gas to MarkWest’s Chartiers Township processing facility.
“The Marcellus Shale gas industry continues to generate jobs and bring new development opportunities to Western Pennsylvania,” said West Penn Power President David W. McDonald in a statement. “This project is part of the work we are doing to help enhance our electric system to help us meet the growing demand for safe and reliable electric service now and in the future.”
West Penn Power’s parent company FirstEnergy said it expects to spend nearly $50 million on new electric transmission projects to support the gas industry in Western Pennsylvania in the 2015-17 time frame. The company said it continues to evaluate additional transmission upgrades as new service requests from shale gas developers are made throughout the region.