October 31, 2020
Ohio

OPSB sets Jan. 7 virtual hearing for Republic Wind Transmission Line

Oct 30, 2020 | advertiser-tribune.com

COLUMBUS – The Ohio Power Siting Board has scheduled a public hearing for 6 p.m. Jan. 7 regarding Republic Wind LLC’s proposal to construct an electric transmission line in Seneca County, according to an OPSB news release.

The hearing is to be conducted using Cisco Webex, a web-based platform that facilitates participation by telephone or live video on the internet.

The Republic Wind Transmission Line would consist of a 7.4-mile long 138 kilovolt electric transmission line and point of interconnect switchyard to deliver power from the Republic Wind Farm to the electric power grid. The Republic Wind Farm, pending separately in case number 172295EL-BGN, would consist of up to 47 wind turbines in Seneca and Sandusky counties.

The purpose of the virtual public hearing is to allow residents in the local community, who are not parties to the case, to provide testimony about the project. Testimony will be limited to 5 minutes per witness, and the hearing transcript will become part of the case record considered by the OPSB.

Anyone who wishes to provide testimony must register by noon Jan. 6 by completing an online registration form at https://opsb.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/opsb/events/Republic-Wind-public-hearing or by calling (800) 686-7826. Individuals will be required to provide their full name and contact information and specify whether they plan to join the Webex event by internet or by telephone.

On the day of the local public hearing, individuals who have registered should be prepared to speak beginning at 6 p.m. Those who testify by internet will be promoted from Webex “attendee” to “panelist” when it is their turn to testify. Those who testify by phone will be called by an OPSB staff member when it is their turn to testify, and then connected to the public hearing. If access or other issues are experienced during the hearing, individuals should immediately use the chat function within Webex or contact the OPSB at (614) 4666843 for assistance.

Anyone who wants to supplement their testimony with an exhibit, a copy of the document, along with a reference to case number 19-1066-EL-BTX, must be provided no later than Jan. 13. Exhibits may be emailed to contactOPSB@puco.ohio.gov or mailed to Ohio Power Siting Board, 180 E. Broad St., Columbus, Ohio 43215.

Anyone who wants to attend the hearing by phone and not offer testimony may do so by dialing (408) 4189388 at any time during the hearing and entering access code 173 638 8904. The hearing will also be live streamed at www.youtube.com/user/PUCOhio.

Additional information regarding the proposed transmission line is available at www.OPSB.ohio.gov in case number 19-1066-EL-BTX.


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2020/10/31/opsb-sets-jan-7-virtual-hearing-for-republic-wind-transmission-line/