The Piedmont Environmental Council has some experience dealing with Dominion and transmission line proposals through our region. In 2006 and 2008, utilities proposed two unnecessary high-voltage transmission lines that would connect to the oldest and dirtiest coal-fired generation in the United States. Learn more about the TrAIL line (approved and built) and the PATH line (turned down). More recently, a series of projects has been proposed, each with its own set of details and impacts.
- COAL-BY-WIRE TRANSMISSION LINE: DEFEATED
PEC has Great News! For six years, the Potomac Appalachian Transmission Highline (PATH)—a massive, unnecessary 765-kV transmission line— has threatened Virginia. The line was to start in southwest West Virginia, travel northeast through previously undisturbed land, eventually cross through Virginia’s northern Piedmont, and wind up near Frederick, Maryland. PEC and our allies have been fighting this wasteful project for years, and we have some good news. Read More… - HIGHER POWER
Can we save the climate without building new energy infrastructure on conservation lands across America? PEC answers yes–in this article for the Fall 2009 Land Trust Alliance magazine. Read More… - PEC TESTIFIES TO CONGRESS ON TRANSMISSION POLICY
In 2009, PEC President Chris Miller was one of twelve experts from across the country summoned to testify before a House of Representatives subcommittee at a hearing entitled “The Future of the Grid: Proposals for Reforming National Transmission Policy.” Read More…
Warrenton Line Information
Amazon’s proposed data center project near Blackwell Road. would sit at the northern gateway into Warrenton, along with a new Dominion electric substation, and would require miles of new high voltage transmission lines supported by 110-feet-tall steel towers, according to Dominion Energy.
Remington-Gordonsville Line Information
Dominion has filed an application with the State Corporation Commission (SCC) seeking to replace the existing 115-kV line running from Gordonsville to Remington with a 230-kV line. The current 52 ft wooden “H” poles would be replaced with larger steel monopoles, at approximately 103-107 ft. This change in structure and height would have a major impact on the landscape and the numerous historic and scenic resources within the immediate area.
Warenton-Wheeler-Gainesville Line Information
Dominion and Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative (NOVEC) are pursuing a new 230kV transmission line through Prince William County and Fauquier, stating current or future reliability issues.
TrAIL Line Information
TrAIL is a 500-kV transmission line that was proposed by Dominion and Allegheny Power in 2007 and approved to be built in 2008. The line runs from southwest Pennsylvania, through West Virginia, ultimately terminating in Loudoun County, Virginia.
PATH Line Information
The PATH 765-kV transmission line was a partnership between American Electric Power and Allegheny Power. The line would have started near the Amos coal plant in West Virginia, traveling northeast through parts of Maryland and Virginia.