Energy Matters

PEC is working to support an energy system that is smarter, more efficient and better accounts for the negative externalities arising from the choices we make about energy consumption, generation, transmission and distribution.

We are advocating for a more distributed system that is less reliant on distant generating sources and incorporates a mix of local renewable power — customer owned, community based and utility scale. Recognizing Virginia is in the early stages of its energy transition, we believe now is the time to reimagine and rebuild our energy system in a way that is just and fair to all residents and ratepayers.

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Golden to Mars Project Timeline

Golden to Mars Project Timeline

Dominion Energy plans to build 8.4 miles of new transmission infrastructure in the Ashburn and Dulles area to carry 500 kV and 230 kV powerlines to Data Center Alley.  The proposed Golden to Mars transmission …
Homes with powerlines directly overhead.

SCC Talking Points: Golden to Mars Tranmission Line

In order to have the most impact, it is important to tailor your comments to the SCC’s priorities and objectives, as their decision-making is guided by strict standards. PEC has put together the following talking …
Gigaland Application Withdrawn: Our Community’s Voice Was Heard!

Gigaland Application Withdrawn: Our Community’s Voice Was Heard!

In a victory and a testament to the power of civic engagment, the developers for the proposed Gigaland data center project in Remington have officially withdrawn their application. However, the developers have stated their intention …
Join Us for a Data Center Community Meeting: Tuesday, Sept. 16

Join Us for a Data Center Community Meeting: Tuesday, Sept. 16

Join us for a community meeting in Charlottesville Tuesday, Sept. 16, from 6-8 p.m. to hear from PEC’s data center experts about the industry’s environmental impacts and how advocating for better regulations and transparency in both …
Homepage of the Virginians for a Smarter Digital Future campaign website

Piedmont Environmental Council Launches Virginians for a Smarter Digital Future

The Piedmont Environmental Council (PEC) announced the launch of “Virginians for a Smarter Digital Future,” a statewide campaign designed to raise awareness of the impacts of data centers for all Virginia residents — and provide …
Facts About the Gigaland Data Center Project

Facts About the Gigaland Data Center Project

A massive data center complex known as Gigaland is being proposed in Remington, Fauquier County VA. The Piedmont Environmental Council (PEC) opposes the outsized development, which we believe will overwhelm the town and open the …
Support More Data Center Regulation in Culpeper County!

Support More Data Center Regulation in Culpeper County!

On Wednesday, Aug. 13, the Culpeper County Planning Commission will vote on a zoning text amendment that would require a conditional use permit for data centers in Culpeper, a much-needed change …
The SCC Must Protect Ratepayers From Big Tech’s Skyrocketing Energy Bill

The SCC Must Protect Ratepayers From Big Tech’s Skyrocketing Energy Bill

Weigh in! The State Corporation Commission (SCC) is hearing the 2025 biennial review of Dominion Energy’s rates, terms, and conditions for generation and transmission infrastructure. This rate case is the first opportunity to address the …
Speak Up: Advocate for Responsible Regulation and Transparency in Albemarle’s Data Center Ordinance

Speak Up: Advocate for Responsible Regulation and Transparency in Albemarle’s Data Center Ordinance

This text was taken from an email alert sent out on August 1, 2025. Sign up for email alerts ➝ Check out our explainer video about the impacts of data centers. Video by Hugh Kenny/PEC. Dear …
data center in Loudoun with transmission line

State Corporation Commission Must Set Fair Rates and Protect Virginia Residents from Subsidizing Data Center Infrastructure

The Piedmont Environmental Council submitted expert witness testimony to the State Corporation Commission (SCC) regarding the commission’s biennial review of Dominion Energy’s rates for generation, transmission, and distribution services …