Read on for Loudoun updates on data center, agrivoltaics, transportation, rural zoning, and water issues, as well as opportunities to weigh in on important issues impacting your community!
Dominion
Report Finds Solar Far Exceeds Value Communicated by Dominion
PEC commissioned Dunsky Energy + Climate Advisors to study and calculate the actual value of distributed solar generation in Dominion Energy’s territory.
Culpeper Quarterly Update – Culpeper puts guardrails on data centers
I wanted to fill you in on some recent happenings in Culpeper: 1) a big win for Culpeper County as the Board of Supervisors finally starts putting guard rails on data centers; 2) an update on the Town Unified Draft Ordinance; and 3) some information about planned transmission line and substation expansion to serve Culpeper data centers and how you can provide input.
Upcoming SCC Hearings: Golden to Mars Transmission Line
Two critical opportunities are coming up to advocate for undergrounding of the proposed “Golden to Mars” electric transmission line, an unprecedented high voltage line cutting through a dense suburban community in eastern Loudoun to provide power to data centers in the County.
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 line (red) is part of a three-segment loop proposed by Dominion to move more power to data centers.
Known as the Golden to Mars line, it 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).
SCC Talking Points: Golden to Mars Transmission 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 points to help you craft your comment.
Gigaland Application Withdrawn: Our Community’s Voice Was Heard!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the power of civic engagment, the developers for the proposed Gigaland data center project in Remington have officially withdrawn their application.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 to submit a new, revised application as soon as January.
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 door for more data centers and transmission lines, straining electricity and water supplies in Fauquier and contributing to unhealthy air, noise and water pollution.
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 electricity rate structure for the largest concentration of data centers in the world.
Loudoun Updates – Summer 2025
Not only have the months been warmer in Loudoun, but many issues are heating up, too. We have been tracking them all to understand and share the community impacts along with opportunities to speak up.