Virginia commission approves construction of Haymarket transmission line

The Commonwealth of Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC) recently authorized Dominion Virginia Power (DVP) to construct a 230-kilovolt electric transmission line and a substation in Prince William County and the town of Haymarket.

The SCC also directed DVP to seek the approval of Prince William County to construct a portion of the
line along the Norfolk Southern Railroad within 60 days.

“[The] Commission reiterates that it has fully considered all of the evidence presented in this record and, thus, is not unmindful of the impacts that will result from the proposed Project,” the SCC said. “Thus, in performing our statutory responsibilities, the Commission has endeavored to weigh reasonably and
carefully the competing evidence and arguments presented in this record.”

The SCC approved both the Railroad Route, which runs along the Norfolk Southern Railroad, and the Carver Route Road. It concluded, however, that the Railroad Route is preferable, because it would have less of an impact on residents.

Because of their higher costs and greater impact on residents, the commission did not approve two proposed routes along I-66.

The commission also stated that the project is necessary if DVP is to comply with required reliability standards.

The SCC continued the matter pending further order on the final routing of the project.