Dominion Energy says it would be required to build new 230-kV transmission lines if the Amazon data center on Blackwell Rd in Warrenton moves forward.
Transmission
The Piedmont Environmental Council has some experience dealing with Dominion and transmission line proposals through our region. In 2006 and 2008, utilities proposed two unnecessary high-voltage transmission lines that would connect to the oldest and dirtiest coal-fired generation in the United States. Learn more about the TrAIL line (approved and built) and the PATH line (turned down). More recently, a series of projects has been proposed, each with its own set of details and impacts.
Hearing Examiner Issues Report on Remington-Gordonsville Line
The State Corporation Commission Hearing Examiner has released her report on Dominion’s proposed Remington-Gordonsville 230-kV transmission line upgrade. In it, it states:
“In response to public concern and the testimony of the Commission Staff (“Staff’), the Company evaluated the potential use of shorter H-frame structures with an average height of 85 feet (“Shorter Structure Option”) where feasible along portions of the route. The Shorter Structure Option would require expansion of the right-of-way to 140 feet to accommodate the shorter structures. The Company concluded that it is technically feasible and may be reasonable to install the Shorter Structure Option for portions of the right-of-way where there are not constraints subject to four conditions. The Shorter Structure Option is feasible for 24.1 miles of the route.
March 2016: Update on the Remington-Gordonsville transmission proposal
An update in regards to the 230-kV transmission line proposed between Gordonsville and Remington. The process before the state has begun and we wanted to make sure you know about some important upcoming meetings.
11/20/15: Update on Warrenton-Wheeler Transmission Line Case
For those of you following the Warrenton-Wheeler transmission line, we have some good news. The Hearing Examiner has recommend the “C” route, which was Dominion’s (and our) preferred route, and the route that required the smallest amount of new right-of-way.
The hearing examiner turned down the SCC staff route recommendation, known as “Option A” which would have required a line straight across undeveloped parts of Fauquier County.
Great quote: “This attempt fails because its witness makes assertions unsupported by knowledge or analysis”.
We’ve posted the Examiner’s full report – Part I and Part II.
10/1/15: Update on Warrenton-Wheeler Transmission Line Case
Following a two day evidentiary hearing in Richmond in August 2015 and one final public hearing was held in Warrenton on August 10, 2015, the Warrenton to Wheeler transmission line case is slowly moving towards resolution.
Power Hungry
This past May, 125 people gathered at the Rapidan fire hall to discuss how to protect the community and its historic and scenic landscape from Dominion’s newly proposed Remington-Pratts-Gordonsville Transmission Project.
Background on Warrenton-Wheeler-Gainesville
Dominion and Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative (NOVEC) are pursuing a new 230kV transmission line through Prince William County and Fauquier, stating current or future reliability issues associated with the Warrenton Substation in Fauquier County, and the Wheeler and Gainesville Substations in Prince William County, as the reason for the project.
May 12 Email Alert: Transmission Line Update
Last week over 125 people gathered at the Rapidan fire hall to discuss how to protect our community and this historic and scenic landscape from the newly proposed Remington-Pratts-Gordonsville Transmission Project. From our initial look, the new 230-kv line is expensive and doesn’t address local needs.
About the Remington-Pratts-Gordonsville line
What we know about the project so far.
Coal-By-Wire Transmission Line: DEFEATED
For six years, the Potomac Appalachian Transmission Highline (PATH)—a massive, unnecessary 765-kV transmission line— has threatened Virginia. The line was to start in southwest West Virginia, travel northeast through previously undisturbed land, eventually cross through Virginia’s northern Piedmont, and wind up near Frederick, Maryland. PEC and our allies have been fighting this wasteful project for years, and we have some good news: The PATH transmission line project is officially dead. On August 24th, the Board of PJM, our regional grid operators, voted to cancel the project.