ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Friday, February 23, 1996 TAG: 9602230089
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A8 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: DANIEL G. OAKEY
SEVERAL YEARS ago, the Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce stated its support for the proposed Appalachian Power Co. (now American Electric Power) power line that will provide power needed by this region. Therefore, we were delighted that the Virginia State Corporation Commission also recently agreed that the line is critically needed, and is the best alternative for meeting the region's electrical needs.
The SCC has recognized that demand for electricity has grown steadily in both the West Virginia and Virginia AEP service areas.
Opponents to this project would have us believe there isn't a need, now or in the future, to build this power line. Does this really make sense?
Who really believes that we're using ``less'' electricity today than just a few years ago? Most people only have to look around their own homes or the businesses in which they work to find this is simply not the case. Fifteen years ago, most homes didn't have a microwave oven, for example. Today, homes are equipped with everything from washers and dryers, dishwashers, food processors, personal computers, home entertainment centers and more.
Personal computers are becoming more essential to everyone at home and work. Almost every job in the Roanoke Valley involves the direct or indirect use of personal computers, from manufacturing processes to medical and financial services to mail-order distribution. The Roanoke Regional Airport and railroad operations depend on computers that require dependable and constant electric power.
Any interruption in service would be costly to both individuals and business. It's AEP's responsibility to continually upgrade its capacity and service to meet our individual and business needs.
The SCC also noted that there would be major energy savings due to the increased efficiency of a 765-kilovolt line. The SCC said that ``line loss savings will offset much of its cost,'' thus providing the entire transmission line with little or no increase in costs to customers.
Now that the SCC has recognized the need and benefits of this project - after completing major studies, devoting thousands of man-hours and hearing expert opinions on the subject from all points of view - it's clear that we need to move the project forward without delay so that our needs for electricity can be provided in the near future.
Daniel B. Oakey is vice president of the Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce in Roanoke.
LENGTH: Short : 50 linesby CNB