PITTSBURGH -- A utility is testifying in support of its plan to build a 37-mile power line that would cut through parts of Washington and Greene counties.

Greensburg-based Allegheny Power began defending the route of the proposed 500-kilovolt power line and explaining why it believes the line is necessary at a hearing with the state Public Utility Commission.

Evidentiary hearings are scheduled to continue in Pittsburgh over the next three weeks.

Representatives of a citizens' group and others are expected to question the plan.

The public is not allowed to testify or speak at the hearings, but about 60 opponents turned out for Monday's hearing.

Protesters gathered in front of the state office building in downtown Pittsburgh.

The power lines are planned to be run from Mount Morris in Greene County to Prexy, Washington County

Protesters claim the project would create health risks.

"We generate three times more power than we use in Washington and Greene counties," said resident George Goroncy. "The other thing is the health issue."

"The electromagnetic fields that come off the towers will increase cancer and leukemia and birth defects," said Washington County resident Connie Smith.

But Allegheny Energy said its grid is 30 years out and serves 14 states in the mid-Atlantic region. They said without the improvements, there could be an increase in power blackouts.

"More commercial development," said Douglas Colafella of Allegheny Energy. "Individual consumers use a lot more electricity now. Most homes now have three or four televisions, computers, central air. All of that creates more strain on the system."

Allegheny Energy said the $1.2 billion cost would be passed on to customers. More hearings are scheduled on the matter in the upcoming months.