A new constructability review of proposed Artificial Island solutions revealed no significant differences in the permitting challenges between the northern and southern Delaware River crossings, PJM told the Transmission Expansion Advisory Committee Thursday.

A PJM consultant compared the permitting challenges between a proposed line crossing the southern part of the Delaware River to a line that runs from the island to Red Lion, Del. “Both will have significant permitting challenges,” said Paul McGlynn, general manager of system planning. “Neither one will be easy.”

McGlynn noted that although two of the four finalists bidding for the job has offered to cap their costs, none has offered a firm “fixed” cost. “They all have exclusions in what’s included and not included” under the cap, McGlynn said.

PJM is continuing its review of the proposals.

Planners Studying EPA Carbon Rule, Ill. Nuke Retirements

PJM staff is analyzing the potential impacts of the Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed carbon emissions rule in response to a request from the Organization of PJM States Inc. (OPSI).

In a letter to PJM CEO Terry Boston, OPSI said it would like the analyses based on several scenarios, including one that assumes a PJM-wide carbon price based on a “roll up” of EPA’s state emission targets and compliance with existing state energy efficiency and renewable portfolio standards. Other scenarios requested would include only renewable resources currently in the transmission queue or a 50% increase in natural gas costs.

Staff is conducting a production cost simulation and evaluating the reliability impacts from the potential loss of “at-risk” plants. Initial results are expected as soon as the end of the month.

Planners are also conducting an analysis of the potential loss of Exelon’s Byron, Quad Cities and Clinton nuclear plants at the request of the Illinois Commerce Commission. Exelon has said it may be forced to close some of its Illinois nuclear fleet because of low energy and capacity revenues. (See Exelon in Lobbying Push to Save Ill. Nukes.)

The ICC’s request asked PJM to calculate the potential impact on wholesale energy prices and the need for transmission improvements. Initial results are expected in mid-October.