Pepco Warns Of Blackouts

BALTIMORE (AP) -- Pepco Holdings says it has filed applications with Maryland regulators to build a power line across the Eastern Shore, running from northern Virginia to New Jersey. Without the line, the company says the region is at risk of blackouts in the future.

Pepco says a major power line has not been built in the region in decades while the area's population has risen dramatically. In addition to the applications filed Wednesday with the Maryland Public Service Commission, Pepco says it also filed a permit application with Maryland environmental officials and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers earlier this week.

The utility says it expects to obtain permits for the Mid-Atlantic Power Pathway and begin construction later this year. The line is expected to be completed by 2013.