During its April 2, 2024, meeting, the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors voted in favor of filing a “notice of participation” in Dominion Energy’s application to the State Corporation Commission (SCC) for construction of a new substation and new transmission lines that, if approved, would run along Route 7 in Loudoun County. The Board’s action will allow Loudoun County to join the case that is before the SCC and to provide input on the proposed power project.
“I have heard from many landowners throughout Loudoun County who are troubled regarding the path of transmissions lines—those landowners include houses of faith, homeowners, and businesses,” said Chair At-Large Phyllis J. Randall. “In addition, other stakeholders, such as environmental and preservation groups, have expressed concerns. Joining this case is an important move for the county to ensure residents and business owners in Loudoun have a seat at the table and a voice in the room as the SCC considers this application. Numerous challenges, such as weighing costs and the need for power in Loudoun, need to be addressed.”
Dominion’s proposal, known as the “Aspen-Golden 500-230 kV Electric Transmission Project,” includes a new 9.4-mile double circuit overhead transmission line (500 and 230 kilovolt) between the proposed Aspen and Golden substations and other associated infrastructure. The current application locates the proposed above-ground power lines from the area around Goose Creek and Belmont Ridge Road, along the south side of Route 7, and parallel to Loudoun County Parkway. Dominion has stated the project is necessary to maintain electricity reliability for the region.
“The Board wants to protect our environmental and heritage assets that are located around this proposed project, which is why we are supportive of burying the transmission lines along Route 7,” said Ashburn District Supervisor Michael R. Turner, who serves as chair of the Board’s Transportation and Land Use Committee. “We also recognize that the SCC must weigh a number of factors before making a decision. The Board’s action will help us protect the interests of the Loudoun community by ensuring the SCC hears all the relevant evidence regarding this project.”
In Virginia, the SCC must approve any proposed high voltage transmission lines prior to construction. Loudoun County officials encourage members of the public to monitor the opportunities for public comment offered by the SCC as it considers Dominion Energy’s application. More information about the status of the application is posted on the SCC’s website (Case #PUR-2024-00032). Once the SCC schedules a public comment period, information on how to provide input to the SCC will be posted on the agency’s website. In addition, the SCC is expected to hold public hearings for the proposal, during which county officials, local organizations and members of the public will be able to offer comments.
More information from Dominion about its proposed project is available on the Dominion Energy website.
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