Dominion Energy has a green light to bring a big, new high-voltage line — capable of handling three times as much electricity as the utility’s biggest lines can now move — to bring in electricity from the Midwest and ease the state’s growing energy squeeze.
The new 765-kilovolt line would run for about 155 miles between Campbell County and Fauquier County, connecting with a new substation in Campbell County to a 765-kilovolt Appalachian Power line, connecting in turn to the west.
One of Dominion’s biggest transmission lines is the 500-kilovolt connection between Surry and James City counties.
PJM Interconnection, which operates a regional grid stretching from New Jersey south to North Carolina and west to Illinois, decided the line was one of the top priorities for its entire 13-state system. The decision came after a lengthy review, Dominion said.
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“This line would provide a new west to east transmission source, but the bottom line driver is the power demand growth in Virginia,” said Jason Williams, Dominion vice president.
“Demand in Virginia is growing at historic levels due to the growth of data centers and manufacturing, and the electrification of transportation and heating,” he said.
He said Virginia needs to beef up its network of high-voltage lines as more renewable sources — solar and wind — as well as the small modular reactors Dominion is eying come on line.
A 765-kilovolt connection can handle a flow of electricity three times larger than Dominion’s big 500-kilovolt lines, requiring towers slightly larger than the 500-kilovolt structures and a wider, 200-foot right of way.
With the PJM approval in hand, Dominion will get to work on detailed route planning and permitting, Williams said.
The route would require approval by the State Corporation Commission, which is responsible for ensuring that location and cost are reasonable and do not impose unfair costs on Dominion ratepayers.
The utility hopes to complete the project in 2029.
The Campbell-Fauquier line is part of a project Dominion and American Electric Power, parent of Appalachian Power, the big utility in Southwest Virginia, proposed to PJM to boost the capacity of big Midwestern utilities to move power to the electricity-hungry eastern states.
The project also includes a roughly 260-mile, 765-kilovolt line with two substations between Putnam County, West Virginia, and Frederick County, Maryland, as well as a new substation in Caroline County.
“These projects are essential for the economic vitality of our region, the reliability of our grid and the everyday lives of our customers,” said Ed Baine, president of Dominion Energy Virginia.
AEP has many years of experience operating 765-kilovolt lines, said Bob Bradish, an AEP senior vice president.
“This joint venture is a unique solution to addressing the needs of our customers and ensuring long-term reliability and continued economic growth opportunities in the region,” he said.
Photos: Ruff day at the legislature
Jackie Garry pets Myrtle, the Richmond SPCA mascot, during an event in front of the General Assembly Building in Richmond on Friday in which national animal welfare group Best Friends Animal Society recognized the 80 Virginia shelters that achieved or maintained no-kill last year. These shelters, along with the 26 state senators who represent them, received certificates and plaques to honor their lifesaving commitments and contributions that have positioned Virginia to become the largest no-kill state in the country.
Kayla Tambellini, center, gives Smooches treats at a meet and greet event with adoptable dogs to celebrate the 80 Virginia shelters that achieved or maintained no-kill last year on February 14, 2025, in front of the General Assembly Building in Richmond, Va.
Jackie Garry and Jenna Malyn pet Brutus while talking in front of the Virginia State Capitol at a meet and greet event with adoptable dogs to celebrate the 80 Virginia shelters that achieved or maintained no-kill last year on February 14, 2025 in Richmond, Va. Brutus is adoptable from the Richmond Animal League.
Casey Marrin watches as Smooches and Barkley play in front of the Virginia State Capitol at a meet and greet event with adoptable dogs to celebrate the 80 Virginia shelters that achieved or maintained no-kill last year on February 14, 2025, in Richmond, Va. Barley and Smooches are adoptable from the Richmond Animal League.
Bri Green cuddles with Valentino during Friday’s event. Valentino was rescued from the California wildfires and is adoptable at the Richmond SPCA.
Chuck Sagona pets Barkley at a meet and greet event with adoptable dogs to celebrate the 80 Virginia shelters that achieved or maintained no-kill last year on February 14, 2025, in front of the General Assembly Building in Richmond, Va. Barkley is adoptable from the Richmond Animal League.
