Hometown Power You Can Depend On

The 30-mile system upgrade will meet our region’s rapidly growing population and electricity demand and ensure system reliability.

Upgrading our transmission system will minimize power outages, provide greater flexibility to move power around, and enhance emergency preparedness in our region.

The Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC) issued this project a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity in 2009 after a rigorous review determined it was needed, environmentally sound, and cost beneficial.

SMECO is your electric cooperative, and we are committed to working with you to ensure this necessary improvement project is done right.

For the most part, new poles will replace existing poles:

• The new power poles have been engineered to the highest standards, balance functionality and visual aesthetics and will be nearly maintenance free. 
• The upgraded line will require fewer poles along the power line route: reduced from 430 to 280 new poles.
• The design and efficiency of the new poles will reduce vulnerability to damage and maintenance costs.
• We are also working closely with state regulatory agencies to ensure this project will be built to meet or exceed state and local codes and standards.  

The Reliability Project will provide a direct boost to the local economy:

• More than $85 million in new electrical infrastructure will be installed in Calvert County
• Total tax revenue to Calvert County will start at $580,000 in 2012 and increase every year to more than $1.7 million after 2015
• More than $5 million will be injected into our local economy through salaries, hotels, meals, and other spending.