Raleigh Residents, Progress Energy Plead Case Over Proposed Power Lines

The proposed power lines would border Blue Ridge Road, cut west on Trinity Road and then north on Interstate 40 to a substation. Residents are concerned about the economic impact of the power lines on their property and the area around the RBC Center and the state Fairgrounds.

"It will have a very, negative effect on the value of our property," resident Johnny Wardlaw said.

"There is no way the site can build a transmission line without having some impact on some individuals," said Mike Hughes, of Progress Energy.

Hughes also said the area's growth is one reason why the power lines need to go in the area.

"The area is currently being served by three electric substations in west Raleigh and Cary," he said. "Over the next three years, all three of those substations would be overloaded at its current rate."

The Utilities Commission will most likely reach a final decision for another month or two.