BGE Requests CPCN Waiver for Central Tunnel Relocation Amid Amtrak Tunnel Replacement

Baltimore Gas and Electric Company (BGE) is set to relocate two critical transmission circuits in Baltimore as part of a significant infrastructure project tied to Amtrak's upcoming construction of the Frederick Douglass Tunnel. During the Public Service Commission's administrative meeting on December 11, 2024, BGE presented a request for a waiver from the Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) requirement, which typically mandates a lengthy approval process.

The urgency of the project stems from Amtrak's plans to demolish the existing Baltimore tunnel in February 2026, necessitating the relocation of BGE's circuits to prevent potential power outages in the community. BGE's analysis indicated that simply retiring the circuits would overload other lines and jeopardize grid reliability.

Commission staff recommended granting the waiver, citing several reasons: the need for timely compliance with Amtrak's schedule, the presence of federal and state funding for the tunnel project, and the potential risks to essential services if the circuits were not relocated. The staff emphasized that the proposed overhead configuration is the most efficient and cost-effective solution.

Commissioners raised concerns about the capacity of the new lines and whether BGE had considered enhancing efficiency during the relocation. BGE confirmed that while the voltage would remain the same at 115 kV, the new lines would have a higher capacity, addressing some of the commissioners' concerns about future demand and grid efficiency.

Ultimately, the commission voted unanimously to approve BGE's request for the waiver, subject to conditions that include notifying the commission when the new circuits are operational and providing a detailed cost report post-construction. This decision marks a critical step in ensuring continued reliable electricity supply as Baltimore undergoes significant infrastructure improvements.