Representatives of Penn Power presented plans to the Board of Supervisors on November 24, 2009, to construct a new substation, along Marshall Road (site of the former roller skating arena) to meet the growing needs for electrical power in southern Butler County and the Cranberry Township area.

This presentation was in response to a request made by the Board a year ago to evaluate alternative substation sites. In November 2008, Penn Power expressed interest in Township-owned property near Community Park, and due to the proximity to the Park, Penn Power attempted to meet requests to design a less impactful station. The design and look of the current proposal, because it is on private property, will not be the same as the proposal for the Township property.

Because the currently proposed project will be constructed on private property, the Township has no ability to regulate or influence the design of the substation. The purchase of the property at the corner of North Boundary and Marshall Roads requires no formal Township review or approval process and no further public presentations by Penn Power to the Township are required.

Penn Power has indicated a willingness to work with the Township and surrounding property owners to address concerns and provide accurate information.

All questions and requests for information should be directed to Penn Power, c/o Jeff Elser, External Affairs Director for Penn Power’s holding company, First Energy.

Penn Power is regulated by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission. Regulations by the PUC pre-empt Township regulations. The Public Utility Commission has an approval process for projects like the proposed Penn Power substation. Penn Power will direct those who wish to contact the PUC to the appropriate person within the PUC.