The Golden to Mars transmission line is the last segment of a three-part loop to serve Data Center Alley, which connects with the Aspen to Golden line (under litigation) and the Wishing Star to Mars line. It also includes two offshoot 230 kV loops (Lockridge and Sojourner).
Dominion Energy plans to build eight to nine miles of new transmission infrastructure in the Ashburn and Dulles area to carry 500 kV and 230 kV powerlines to Data Center Alley.
Monopoles, up to 185 feet tall, will connect the Golden substation (just west of Route 28, near the Dulles Wegmans) to the Mars substation (just west of Dulles International Airport, near the Old Ox Road data centers).
Dominion’s six proposals would require right-of-way through privately-owned land and will run alongside homes in Loudoun Valley Estates. For example, Route 3A even goes through backyards, with a total of 182 homes falling within 500 feet of the proposed high-voltage line.
How did we get here?
Below is a timeline of events of the Golden to Mars project, beginning with its inception in June 2024.
June 19, 2024: Dominion announced the Golden to Mars project to “bring bulk electricity into the Ashburn area, otherwise known as Data Center Alley” (Dominion Energy)
July 30 and 31, August 1, 2024: Dominion held community meetings on the project.
January 14 and 15, 2025: Dominion made “modest changes to overhead routes” and held two more community meetings for updates on the project (Dominion Energy).
January 22, 2025: The Board of Supervisors endorsed Route 4 (of five options) for Dominion Energy’s Golden to Mars project, but advocated for the undergrounding of any line that would come within 500 feet of a residence or school (Loudoun Times Mirror). The Board also designated Route 3 as a secondary option, but noted potential for greater environmental impacts and a crossing on the northern portion of two adjoining schools: Rosa Lee Carter Elementary & Rock Ridge High. Still, fierce and ongoing disagreement remained between communities and many interested parties were left dissatisfied (Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy).
March 25, 2025: The School Board voted in opposition to Route 3 (Dominion’s chosen route) and any above-ground routes on school property, in favor of undergrounding, effectively pushing Dominion’s Route 3 off LCPS property. As school ground already serves a public purpose, LCPS chooses whether to grant easements for public utilities that wish to cross their property (WJLA, LoudounNow, Loudoun Times Mirror).
March 28, 2025: Dominion filed an application with the State Corporation Commission (SCC), case number PUR-2025-0056 (SCC)
May 13, 2025: Dominion filed a new preferred Route 3A that skirts school property, but severely impacts the backyard of homes in Loudoun Valley Estates (LoudounNow). See image below.
April 15, 2025: The Board of Supervisors directed the County to file as a participant in the SCC case, which provides them additional information and opportunity for comment as a “referral agency” (Loudoun Times Mirror). See graphic below, which shows the SCC process for vetting a proposed Dominion project.
Mid-June 2025: Homeowners in Loudoun Valley Estates heard from Dominion about the newly proposed Route 3A route through and along their properties and began organizing to fight back against powerlines through residential neighborhoods (view their campaign at https://www.nopowerlines.org/).
August 12, 2025: Under pressure from the community, the School Board also voted to file as a participant in the case (Loudoun Times Mirror).
Public Witness vs. Participant
In the SCC process, a public witness is you! Anyone may be a witness and provide comments to the Commission, spoken or in writing. The public hearings on Sep 18 & 29 and the open comment window are your way to participate!
A case participant is an entity that has filed with the SCC and is usually represented by legal counsel to present expert testimony or raise objections. The evidentiary hearing on Dec. 15 is the place for participants, who are not allowed to speak at public hearings. Loudoun County, the School Board, all three HOAs of Loudoun Valley Estates, the Northern Virginia HOA Roundtable, and PEC have filed as participants on this line.
What’s next: SCC hearings
In response to strong community concerns, the SCC will hold two public hearings to receive testimony from residents and local groups. This is a testament to the tremendous level of both public concern and potential impact of this project. It is crucial that residents show support at both meetings.
Why it’s important to speak up
Existing neighborhoods across Loudoun, and beyond, could be facing these challenges in the near future, too. No matter whose backyards end up physically impacted, everyone will pay the cost. Under Dominion’s rate structure (currently under review), all ratepayers will subsidize this line, an added insult to injury to pay for a line through our communities that will benefit some of the world’s wealthiest corporations.
Attend the SCC Public Hearings
Where: Rock Ridge High School
43460 Loudoun Reserve Drive
When:
Hearing 1: Thursday, September 18, 2025 at 6:30 PM
Hearing 2: Monday, September 29, 2025 at 6:30 PM
Other participation options:
1. Submit written comments (by 5:00 p.m. December 9, 2025)
2. Provide telephone testimony for the evidentiary hearing on December 15 at 10:00 a.m. (preregister by 5:00 p.m. December 9, 2025).
Read more in our email alert about the SCC hearings. →
Talking Points
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. To make your testimony as effective as possible, incorporate your personal experience into your comments. PEC has put together talking points, including a downloadable handout, to help you craft your comment.