RICHMOND — The State Corporation Commission (SCC) has approved a modified request from Dominion Virginia Power (DVP) to underground a 1.9-mile portion of a 230-kilovolt (kV) transmission line in Loudoun County. The pilot project is one of four permitted by state law that specifically identifies as a qualifying project the previously approved 12-mile route between the existing Pleasant View substation and the proposed Hamilton substation near Purcellville.

On February 18, 2008, the SCC found that the construction of the new transmission line was necessary for DVP to maintain long-term reliability on its system and to serve the rapidly growing demand for electricity in western Loudoun County. During the 2008 session, the General Assembly passed emergency legislation (HB 1319) that establishes a pilot program for placing new transmission lines of 230-kV or less underground, in whole or in part.

On April 21, DVP filed a request with the SCC to participate in the pilot program and build a 1.8-mile portion of the Loudoun County transmission line underground. The Commission approved the request on May 6.

Dominion Virginia Power filed a modified request on May 21 that extended the northern end of the underground section of the construction and the northern terminal station further away from the Washington and Old Dominion Trail. The company stated that it and several landowners in the area of the original northern terminus worked together to propose the modified route and location for the northern terminal station.

The line is expected to be constructed and in service by January 1, 2011.

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Case Number PUE-2008-00042