RICHMOND — The State Corporation
Commission (SCC) has approved the overhead construction
of a 230-kilovolt transmission line by Dominion
Virginia Power (DVP) on a 12-mile route between
the Pleasant View substation and the proposed Hamilton
substation in Loudoun County.
In its order issued on February 15, 2008, the
Commission found that the new transmission line
should follow a route known as the “Modified
D” route as recommended by an SCC hearing
examiner. The Commission said, “No route can
eliminate all adverse impacts. We find that Modified
D minimizes as much as practicable adverse impact
on scenic assets, historic districts, and environments
of areas concerned, and results in fewer adverse
impacts than other proposed routes.”
The SCC had previously found that the construction
of the new transmission line was necessary for DVP
to maintain long-term reliability on its system
and to serve the rapidly growing demand for electricity
in western Loudoun County. The Commission noted
in this order “…that [late last year]
the Commonwealth issued The Virginia Energy Plan,
which … states as follows: ‘Significant
demand growth has occurred in northern Virginia,
where the population has increased by 66 percent
since 1990. Loudoun and Prince William Counties
consistently rank among the fastest growing counties
in the United States.’ ”
The transmission line will be constructed on single-shaft
pole structures placed as far away from residences
as possible. The poles will be located on existing
right-of-way owned by DVP and the Virginia Department
of Transportation wherever possible. The line is
expected to be constructed and in-service by January
1, 2011.
During the construction phase of the
project, the SCC directed DVP to identify a company
employee or employees to serve as a contact to address
promptly concerns raised by any local government,
landowner, or resident along the approved route.
The designated employee will be available from the
time the company places any markers identifying
the location of the line until the line is energized.
###
Case Number PUE-2005-00018
View Final Order