Power Line Appeal Relies on Novel Approach

By Don Del Rosso

New data reflecting a drop in electricity demand prove that Dominion Virginia Power no longer needs a planned transmission line through the Piedmont, according to a local environmental group.

That's why the Piedmont Environmental Council (PEC) believes the Virginia Supreme Court should return the matter to the State Corporation Commission (SCC) for more study.

The SCC approved the line last year.

PJM Interconnection, a membership transmission organization that manages the flow of electricity in the region, produced the new data.

Dominon, a PJM member, has used the organization's data to validate a need for the line.

For nearly three years, PEC and others have contended the planned 500,000-volt line couldn't be justified.

"The DNA evidence is in," PEC spokesman Bob Lazaro said of the new data "and [the line] opponents "have been exonerated. What we've been saying all along has been verified. The court should send it back to the SCC."

"Economic data from the Federal Reserve of Richmond to PJM's own data and forecasts highlight that the evidence and rationale for" the line "no longer exists, PEC President Chris Miller said in a statement. "Why should Virginia taxpayers be forced to pay for something that is not needed?"

But even if the court returns the case to the SCC, there's no guarantee the commission will agree with PEC's analysis.

For the full story, read the Feb. 18 Fauquier Times-Democrat