The State Corporation Commission (SCC) has approved Dominion Energy’s plan to construct visible transmission lines along Route 7 in Ashburn, Virginia, to address increasing electric demand[1]. This decision comes despite community efforts to advocate for underground lines.
Key points of the approved project:
- The Aspen-Golden project involves 9.4 miles of overhead transmission lines between Aspen and Golden substations[1].
- The modified 1AA route runs from Leesburg to Ashburn, largely along Route 7[1].
- The SCC also approved the 1.9-mile Apollo-Twin Creeks project for data center customers[1].
- The SCC deemed the projects necessary, safe, and supportive of economic development[1].
- Dominion Energy argued that undergrounding would increase costs to over $1 billion and delay completion[1].
- The approved overhead line project is estimated to cost $700.1 million[1].
- Construction is expected to begin in June 2025, with completion by June 1, 2028[1].
The decision prioritizes cost-effectiveness and timely completion over community concerns about preserving local character and viewsheds[1].
Citations:
[1] https://patch.com/virginia/ashburn/route-7-electric-lines-project-loudoun-county-okd-scc
[2] https://engage.erm.com/sites/novareliability/downloads/application-volume-3-of-3-2024-aspengolden-part-1-of-4.pdf
[3] https://patch.com/virginia/ashburn/ashburn-power-lines-proposal-scc-draw-county-input
[4] https://www.loudoun.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/13796
[5] https://www.scc.virginia.gov/media/sccvirginiagov-home/consumer-home/public-utilities/electricity/transmission-line-projects/dev-240032-aspengolden.pdf
[6] https://blueridgeleader.com/sept-5-public-hearing-on-proposed-power-lines-along-rt-7-in-leesburg/
[7] https://loudounwildlife.org/2024/08/energy-infrastructure-goose-creek/
[8] https://www.dominionenergy.com/-/media/pdfs/global/projects-and-facilities/electric-projects/power-line-projects/nova/jan2024-aspen-to-golden-boards.pdf
[9] https://www.loudoun.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=9078&ARC=16324
