Updated project information reflects feedback from more than 6,500 people who participated in the first round of outreach

FAIRMONT, W.Va., Oct. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Community members are invited to attend a new series of open houses this November to learn more about the Valley North Project and provide feedback as the project continues through the route development process in West Virginia, Maryland and Virginia.

The open houses are an opportunity for community members and landowners to learn about the project, review potential route options, ask questions and share feedback directly with the project team. Residents whose properties are within 1,000 feet of the proposed routes have been notified. These events build on the strong participation from the first round of open houses this summer, when more than 6,500 community members attended to learn more and provide input. Residents whose properties are currently no longer near a potential route under consideration have also been notified.

The Valley North Project team used feedback gathered during the June and July open houses, along with environmental, cultural and land-use information, to refine broader study segments into potential routes. During this phase of outreach, Valley Link is focused on gathering additional feedback from landowners and communities within the potential route areas before route recommendations are finalized.

"The questions and feedback we received this summer helped shape not only the project but also the information we'll be sharing at these upcoming open houses," said Isaac Rhoades, president of Valley Link. "Attendees will see more detail on topics that matter most to communities, including local economic impacts, health and safety, and how potential routes are being evaluated. Even if you attended an open house this summer, I'm confident you'll find new information and gain a deeper understanding of the project during this next round of conversations."

Open House Schedule
Community members are invited to attend one of the following open houses to learn more about the Valley North Project, review potential routes and share feedback with the project team. All open houses will follow a drop-in format with no formal presentation, and attendees may stop by at any time during the scheduled hours:

• Nov. 4 | Misty Mountain Event Barn, 430 Mountain Road, Fisher, W.Va. | 4 to 7 p.m.
• Nov. 4 | Tucker County High School, 116 Mountain Lion Way, Hambleton, W.Va. | 5 to 8 p.m.
• Nov. 5 | Frederick County Middle School, 4661 N. Frederick Pike, Winchester, Va. | 5 to 8 p.m.
• Nov. 5 | Sissonville Middle School, 100 Middle School Lane, Charleston, W.Va. | 5 to 8 p.m.
• Nov. 12 | Lovettsville Game Protective Association, 16 S. Berlin Pike, Lovettsville, Va. | 4 to 7 p.m.
• Nov. 12 | The Event Center at Brushy Fork, 929 Brushy Fork Road, Buckhannon, W.Va. | 4 to 7 p.m.
• Nov. 17 | Spencer Armory Facility, 206 E. Main St., Spencer, W.Va. | 4 to 7 p.m.
• Nov. 17 | Old Capon Bridge Middle School, 195 Capon School St., Capon Bridge, W.Va. | 4 to 7 p.m.
• Nov. 18 | Stonewall Resort – Roanoke Event Center, 940 Resort Drive, Roanoke, W.Va. | 4 to 7 p.m.
• Nov. 18 | Ranson Civic Center, 432 W. Second Ave., Ranson, W.Va. | 4 to 7 p.m.
• Nov. 19 | Gilmer County Recreation Center, 1365 Sycamore Run, Glenville, W.Va. | 4 to 7 p.m.
• Nov. 19 | Brunswick Fire Hall, 1500 Volunteer Drive, Brunswick, Md. | 4 to 7 p.m.

Continuing to Shape the Project
The Valley North Project includes approximately 260 miles of new 765-kilovolt (kV) transmission line between Putnam County, W.Va., and Frederick County, Md., along with two new substations in Hardy County, W.Va., and Frederick County, Md. The project was selected by PJM Interconnection as part of its long-term planning efforts to strengthen the regional electric transmission system, maintain reliability and support future energy needs across the region.

Valley Link remains committed to an open and collaborative process. Potential routes continue to be evaluated using technical studies, environmental and cultural resource information, land-use considerations and community feedback. The project team will use input received during the upcoming open houses to further refine route options.

Can't Attend an Open House?
Residents can access the same information shared at the open houses by visiting vltransmission.com/valley-north, where they can view project information, review maps as they become available and submit feedback. Community members may also contact the project team by:

• Website: www.vltransmission.com/valley-north
• Email: vlnorth@vltransmission.com
• Phone: (304) 207-0120

About Valley Link 
Valley Link Transmission Company LLC was formed to build the modern infrastructure needed to keep electricity reliable and affordable for homes, businesses and growing industries across the Mid-Atlantic region. Valley Link combines over two centuries of utility expertise, strengthening the regional grid and supporting long-term economic vitality. Following PJM's identification of new transmission needs, Valley Link's proposed solutions were selected and approved in early 2025. The company's mission is to deliver cost-effective infrastructure that keeps power flowing, supports efficient energy, and prepares the grid for the future. Learn more at vltransmission.com.

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SOURCE FirstEnergy Corp.