CONWAY, SC (WBTW) – A plan that Santee Cooper says would bring increased electricity reliability to our area could be delayed if property owners decide to go to court.
The project would upgrade 17.5 miles of existing transmission lines in Marion County and add 21.1 miles of new lines through Horry County.
The transmission tract goes through privately owned and for the project to move forward a survey of the new section needs to be done on those properties.
A letter requesting permission for the survey has been delivered to all 99 property owners affected, 13 have yet to sign.
The letter states that if they do not sign, Santee Cooper will seek judicial authorization for the surveys.
“It absolutely is a situation where we do have eminent domain, we have to provide electricity reliability for the people of this area,” said Santee Cooper spokesperson Susan Mungo.
The letter given to homeowners also stated that action would take place in July, but Mungo said Santee Cooper is trying to work with owners and avoid a judicial battle that would put the project on hold if it makes its way to court.
“That is possible, again we at Santee Cooper try to work with these homeowners, but the bottom line is the homeowners have a right to refuse,” said Mungo.
Property owners whose land is used for the transmission lines would be paid a one time fair market price for the use of it.
Changing the proposed 39 mile line would cut down on reliability and add costs that would ultimately be passed down to consumers said Mungo.
Mungo said Santee Cooper hopes to move forward with the surveys by the end of year.
Count on News13 to keep you covered on the project.
