Letter copied from link below: Straightforward reason To the editor: There have been comments on Western North Carolina editorial pages about the need for Duke Energy's modernization project, and specifically about our plans to build a transmission line from Campobello, S.C., to our Asheville power plant site. We appreciate the discussion about our modernization projects, as well as the specific feedback property owners and others have given us about possible routes for our transmission line. The reason we are building the transmission line is straightforward. Our customers' area peak power demand has increased by 360 percent since 1970. We expect demand to grow by 15 percent more in the next decade — outpacing expected power demand growth across the nation. To address the period of uncertainty while we consider various line route options, we have expanded our project team and will select our preferred route in early October, three months ahead of schedule. We regret that some people will be disappointed with the ultimate location of the power line, but we are committed to an open and fair process that thoroughly considers all options and comments. Craig DeBrew Local government and community relations, Duke Energy