Every week, The Observer digs into the details that matter in Jefferson County. Our content is free for everyone to read, but producing well-researched local news isn’t free.
CTUB And American Water Clash Over Utility Service Area
CTUB water tower adjacent to planned development on Keyes Ferry Road.
A dispute over who will provide water service to a major new development in Jefferson County reached a key hearing yesterday, as the Charles Town Utility Board (CTUB) and West Virginia American Water (WVAW) presented their arguments before state regulators.
Both utilities want to serve a proposed 134-acre mixed-use development just east of Charles Town. The hearing, part of the state Public Service Commission (PSC) case 25‑0263‑W‑C, took place at the new Jefferson County government building.
CTUB had petitioned the PSC in February 2025, seeking relief against what it described as WVAW’s “encroachment into exclusive territory creating utility-on-utility competition.” In May, PSC staff filed a memorandum that supported CTUB’s position and recommended that the PSC issue a “cease and desist” order to prevent WVAW from taking any action that would encroach on the CTUB service area. The PSC then granted interim relief and WVAW filed a response opposing the relief, leading to the July 31 hearing before PSC Chief Administrative Law Judge Keith George.
What’s The Issue?
CTUB is a city-owned public utility that provides water and sewer service in a relatively contiguous area that encompasses the City of Charles Town. WVAW is a for-profit company that provides water service to several areas in Jefferson County north of the city (it also provides sewer services to a small number of these customers). WVAW purchased its Jefferson County assets from Jefferson Utilities in October 2023.
This area of the county, which sits at the intersection of Routes 340 and 9, was planned for development decades ago. CTUB has already built out the mainline infrastructure around this parcel — a 500,000 gallon storage tank that sits adjacent to the property on Keyes Ferry Road (image above) along with water and sewer main lines that run along both the north and south sides of the property.
WVAW argues that its existing infrastructure is close enough to be considered a viable option for the proposed development, even though it would need to construct new main lines crossing underneath Route 340 (and over CTUB’s existing lines) to connect to the planned development.
During the hearing, Kristen Stolipher, CTUB’s General Manager, raised the concern that the existing CTUB investment in this area would become “stranded” — unable to generate revenue. The costs of stranded assets are typically written-off, creating a cost that is applied to existing customers.
WVAW argued that its customers will benefit from lower rates in the future as the company expands. CTUB presented maps during the hearing that showed WVAW with significant potential for growth outside of the contiguous CTUB service area.
What’s Next?
CTUB and WVAW will now submit written briefs, followed by another hearing before a PSC issues a final ruling on the case.
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Electric Company To Share Details Of New Transmission Line
First Energy plans to replace the 128 KV transmission towers (right) with large monopoles that will carry both a 500 KV line & a 128 KV line
First Energy, the local electric utility, will hold an open house event at the Shepherd University Wellness Center on Wednesday, August 13 from 6 to 8 pm to share information on a new high-voltage transmission line it wants to build through Jefferson County.
Data Centers Driving Power Demand
For the past two years, PJM Interconnect, the regional electric grid operator, has been pushing to expand transmission capacity in the mid-Atlantic, largely in response to escalating demands for power from data centers in northern Virginia.
While the data center industry has been growing steadily for the past decade, the energy demands of AI computing are expected to grow exponentially. According to recent testimony from the Piedmont Environmental Council to a Virginia regulatory agency, electricity use by Virginia data centers has increased eightfold in the past ten years, and is projected to do the same again within the next five years.
New Line Proposed Through Jefferson County
The transmission line that First Energy will discuss at the August 13 event is a new 500 kilovolt line that will begin near Winchester VA, cross Jefferson county into Maryland, and terminate in Loudoun County VA. The company is referring to this project as “Gore-Doubs-Goose Creek Improvements Project” (GDGC). The new First Energy line would connect with the “Mid Atlantic Resiliency Link” (MARL) transmission line that energy company NextEra is proposing to construct between Morgantown and Winchester.
First Energy already has a 138 kilovolt line running along this path in Jefferson County, which runs alongside an existing 500 kilovolt line owned by Dominion Energy (see image above). The company says it intends to build the new line mostly within the footprint of its existing 138 kilovolt line by replacing the existing wooden “H” frame towers with taller “monopole” towers. The monopole towers would carry both the new 500 kilovolt line and the rebuilt 138 kilovolt line.
The company has disclosed two areas in Jefferson County where it says it plans to deviate from the existing right of way with the new towers — as the line crosses south of Washington High School and near Millville, where it crosses the Potomac River.
What’s Next
Before beginning construction, First Energy must obtain a “Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity” from the West Virginia Public Service Corporation (PSC). In correspondence sent to residents adjoining the existing right of way, the company indicated it intends to file that application with the PSC in December.
Elsewhere, county governments have taken stronger stances: the Monongalia and Preston County Commissions voted to oppose the MARL project and have filed to become intervenors in that proceeding.
Freedom’s Run Race Series | October 4th – Shepherdstown, WV
Experience the thrill of racing — where history meets endurance! Choose from the marathon, half marathon, 10K, 5K, or kids fun run.... all set against a stunning backdrop – Take in breathtaking views of Harpers Ferry, Antietam National Battlefield, the C&O Canal, and more. Whether you're going for a personal best or a scenic stroll, there's a distance for everyone—from first-timers to seasoned marathoners.
Chamber Music Festival Connects Appalachia & The World
The Appalachian Chamber Music Festival (ACMF) is celebrating its fifth season this August. The Festival has a dozen full concerts plus other events in its schedule that runs from August 7 – 17. The festival includes performances in Shepherdstown, Charles Town, and Harpers Ferry, as well as Berryville (VA).
Katie Tertell, the festival’s founder and Artistic Director, shared her thoughts earlier this year about how ACMF came to be. “This festival started as a bunch of questions, and hope and belief in an idea of how I wanted to make a difference in this world. It was an experiment; a moment of vulnerability where I put my heart and soul into something that may or may not translate. From that very first summer, I have been completely overwhelmed by the amazing support of this incredible community in a way I could never have imagined.”
Tertell shared a few highlights of what she has planned this year:
Aaron Copland’s iconic "Appalachian Spring,” the great American work that brought fame to what once was the relatively unknown Shaker tune “Simple Gifts.”
A “double feature” at the Shepherdstown Opera House sandwiched around dinner at Bistro 112. Patrons will start with an Art and Music concert, then cross the street to enjoy a special dinner, and return to the Opera House for a screening of the 71-minute Italian silent 1911 film “L’Inferno” accompanied by an original score composed and played by Grammy-award winning musician Domenic Salerni along with ACMF regular Sam Suggs.
New for this year is the Shepherdstown Coffee Concert series: 3 daytime, hour-long concerts, in and around historic Shepherdstown.
Patty Willis Celebration: An opportunity to experience an exhibition of art by the Charles Town native, as well as a world premiere of a piece for string quartet inspired by her life and work by composer Karen Walwyn.
Join us for Tomato Jam on Saturday, August 16th from 3-10 pm atSistermoon Farm! Tomato Jam is a community-based, volunteer-run music festival with a mission to celebrate the land and elevate the community by throwing a shindig for lovers of music, art, and tomatoes. Featuring a full day of live music, artisan vendors, yoga, food trucks, and family friendly events -- there is something for everyone.
Highlights of upcoming events around Jefferson County:
Preventing Bird Collisions with Windows: Local Action, Global Impact — Wildlife biologist Richard Novak discusses how home and business owners can reduce bird strikes, one of the leading causes of bird mortality. (NCTC, 698 Conservation Way, Shepherdstown). Thursday, July 31, 7 pm. Free. Info…
Lone Piñon — Traditional acoustic trio performs live at the AMP in Sam Michaels Park (235 Sam Michaels Ln., Shenandoah Junction). Thursday, July 31, 7:30 pm. Free. Info…
The Wizard of Oz — The classic musical comes to life on stage at the Old Opera House (204 North George St., Charles Town). Thursday–Sunday, July 31–August 3. $.Info & Tickets…
Make a Movie Workshop & Party — Kids are invited to learn basic movie-making techniques and enjoy a celebratory activity hour at the Charles Town Library (200 E. Washington St., Charles Town). Recommended for ages 8-12. Friday, August 1, 10:30–11:30 am. Free. Info…
Shepherdstown Live — Live music event in downtown Shepherdstown (German and King Streets) featuring Minks Miracle Medicine and dancers from Luna Aerial Dance syncing their aerial moves to the music. Chairs, blankets, picnics welcome. Food and drink available from local shops which will stay open late. Friday, August 1, 5–7 pm. Free. Info…
1st Weekend Handmade Market — Arts & crafts show at the Shepherdstown Community Club (102 East German St., Shepherdstown). Friday (5-7 pm), Saturday (10 am - 6 pm), Sunday (9 am - 4 pm), August 1–3. Info…
Whole Foods Talk — A presentation on whole food eating presented by Marigold Healing Center and hosted at the Harpers Ferry Library with sample foods (151 Polk St., Harpers Ferry). Friday, August 1, 6 pm. Free. Info…
First Friday Concert: Herb and Hanson — Outdoor concert on the lawn at historic Happy Retreat (600 Mordington Ave., Charles Town). Friday, August 1, 6 pm. $. Info…
Laurie Berkner Live — Children's music artist performs a family-friendly concert at Sam Michaels Park (235 Sam Michaels Ln., Shenandoah Junction). Saturday, August 2, 11 am. $. Info…
Pride vs Prejudice Film Screening & Discussion — Screening of a documentary on a human rights legal case in Canada with international impact followed by Q&A at the Shepherdstown Opera House (131 W. German St., Shepherdstown). Saturday, August 2, 7 pm. PWYC. Info…
FOSL Book Sale — Annual Friends of Shepherdstown Library sale featuring used books for all ages at Shepherdstown Public Library (145 Higbee Ln., Shepherdstown). Preview sale ($10 admission) on Thursday, August 7, 5 pm. Regular sale with free admission takes place August 8-10. Info…
Contemporary American Theater Festival — Last chance to see the 2025 CATF plays. Festival runs through August 3 in Shepherdstown. Tickets for select performances are still available. $ Info & Tickets…
