Resident urges turnout at Public Service Commission hearing on proposed transmission line

Judith Della Garza, a Morgantown resident, urged community members to attend upcoming Public Service Commission public comment hearings on the proposed transmission project, saying packed hearing venues send a stronger message than empty seats.

Della Garza told the commission that the hearings may be the only chance most residents have to speak directly to the three commissioners who will decide the project’s fate. She said the Morgantown hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, June 10, at 5:30 p.m. at the Mon County Center at Mylan Park and described a 3–5 minute speaking guideline for those who sign in.

“We are urging every citizen who is concerned over their ever increasing electric bills to attend the upcoming public service commission public comment hearings on the proposed moral transmission project,” Della Garza said. “A strong public turnout matters.”

Della Garza framed the proposal as more than a line: she said it concerns the future of West Virginia communities and whether loads of infrastructure are being built largely to support data centers out of state. She encouraged attendees to sign in to be called and to bring family, neighbors and church members to show visible numbers at the hearing.

The comment period noted by Della Garza is a public-opportunity forum; the Public Service Commission hearing schedule and rules will govern speaker time and procedures. The commission’s decision timeline and technical record were not discussed during the county commission meeting.