RICHMOND — The State Corporation Commission (SCC) found that the construction of a new 230-kv transmission line in Loudoun County is necessary for Dominion Virginia Power (DVP) to maintain long-term reliability on its system and to serve the rapidly growing demand for electricity in the Purcellville area.
In its order issued on February 21, 2007, the SCC requested a hearing examiner conduct an additional proceeding to address specific issues that relate to the route and construction of the transmission line. Hearing Examiner Howard P. Anderson, Jr., was directed to gather further evidence on the following matters:
- construction time required for routes E7, D3, and Modified D;
- right-of-way acquisition costs for routes E7, D3, and Modified D;
- detailed engineering data for the portion of the Modified D route comprising segments within or adjacent to the Washington & Old Dominion (W&OD) Trail – including pole placements and existing and/or new right-of-way;
- any benefits of individual segments of the E7 and D3 routes in relation to reasonably expected future transmission requirements;
- for purposes of underground construction, utilization of cross-linked polyethelene (XLPE) power lines as opposed to high pressure fluid-filled (HPFF) power lines;
- underground construction of the portion of the E7 and D3 routes comprising segments along or adjacent to 49, 25, 23, and 22 – including right-of-way, cost, reliability, and impact on scenic assets, historic districts and environment; and
- underground construction of the portion of the Modified D route comprising segments along or adjacent to the W&OD Trail – including right-of-way, cost, reliability, and impact on scenic assets, historic districts and environment.
The Commission directed DVP, each respondent in the case, and the SCC staff to file any testimony and exhibits addressing these matters. By SCC rule, respondents are those groups or individuals who filed notices of participation in the case, submitted written testimony, and filed pleadings.
The hearing examiner will convene an evidentiary hearing on Monday, July 9, 2007, in the Commission’s 2nd floor courtroom located in the Tyler Building, 1300 East Main Street, in downtown Richmond. The SCC intends to webcast the audio portion of the hearing via the Internet. Instructions can be found on the SCC web site at www.scc.virginia.gov/case/.
After the conclusion of the proceeding, the hearing examiner will issue a supplemental report to the Commission.
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Case number: PUE-2005-00018