Dominion Proposes Power LineUpgrade

        Dominion Virginia Power claims a major upgrade to a transmission line along U.S. 50 through part of northern Fauquier would provide customers more reliable service.

        The utility wants State Corporation Commission (SCC) approval to replace a 115,000-volt line with a 230,000-volt one.

        "This is a proposal we think is the right thing to do," said Dominion spokeswoman Le-Ha Anderson, explaining the project would benefit 16,000 Dominion and Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative (NOVEC) customers in Fauquier, Loudoun and Prince William.

The existing 9.6-mile line links Dominion’s Middleburg and Loudoun substations and connects NOVEC’s Cedar Run and Arcola substations. (See map)

        About 2.2 miles cut through Fauquier, six miles though Loudoun and 1.4 miles through Prince William.

        Dominion will hold a public information meeting on the project from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, July 7, in the Dulles South Multipurpose Center at 24950 South Riding Center Drive, in Loudoun.

        Public comments would be used to help Dominion prepare its application to the SCC, Anderson said.

        The proposal already has stirred concern among conservationists and landowners who would be directly affected by the planned transmission line expansion.

        Dominion representatives Phil Sparks and Stephanie Harrington met last Thursday with Piedmont Environmental Council (PEC) President Chris Miller, PEC energy policy analyst Bri West and farmer Mike Morency to discuss the project.

For the full story, read the July 1 Fauquier Times-Democrat