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Reliable Power in Northern Virginia
An Urgent, Undeniable Need for a Solution in Northern Virginia
Population growth in Northern Virginia has been tremendous, and shows no signs of slowing down. As a result, demand for electricity has grown even more—but, by 2011, our reliable, affordable power will be at risk.
A 2006 study by the U.S. Department of Energy placed Northern Virginia in one of two national "critical congestion areas" for electricity transmission. To ensure that reliable, affordable power can continue to meet our needs, Dominion has applied to build a new electric transmission line. This line – proposed to be built within or adjacent to an existing transmission line – will bring power to the region and improve the overall reliability of the system. Dominion has explored every alternative, and is certain that a new transmission line is the very best way to serve the business population of Northern Virginia.
Where is the power needed?
Northern Virginia is a critical component of the nation’s high-tech economy and information superhighway. There are 20 existing data centers and no fewer than 25 new data centers – small campuses with a total electrical demand equal to a mid-sized city – that are either being built or are in the planning stages.
Not only are more electricity-intensive computer data centers being built, but the Army is enlarging Fort Belvoir, Metrorail is building new lines to handle more Northern Virginia commuters and Washington-Dulles International Airport and Tysons Corner are growing with multi-billion dollar expansion projects.
What is the cost of doing nothing?
Northern Virginia’s transmission system is projected to face severe overloads starting in 2011. These overloads could require drastic measures such as rolling blackouts. If no action is taken, this could eventually lead to periodic brownouts, and even complete system failures.
| Northern Virginians would have to reduce their peak energy use by 40% to avert the need for the line by 2011. |
Without action, major transmission lines serving Northern Virginia could become overloaded and deprive us of the reliable, 24/7 electricity that our economy and households need and depend on.
What is the preferred route?
To ensure that reliable, affordable power can continue to meet our needs, Dominion has applied to build a new electric transmission line. The proposed path is within or immediately adjacent to existing transmission rights-of-way. The line would extend 65 miles from a point in Warren County to a company electric substation in eastern Loudoun County. This proposal would provide the best means of meeting the continuing need for reliable service while reasonably minimizing the adverse impact on the scenic, environmental and historic assets of the area.
Image of Preferred Route Map
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