VIRGINIA

TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECTS

Multiple High Voltage Alternating Current ("HVAC") projects through Virginia have been approved by PJM to support the continuing build-out and expansion of data centers,  particularly Data Center Alley in Loudoun County.  Frederick County, Clark County and north-western Loudoun (Lovettsville and Neersville) are targeted for multiple inter-state HVAC transmission lines. Those interstate lines are the MID - ATLANTIC Resiliency Link (MARL) / Gore-Doubs-Goose Creek (500kV)  and the northern line of the Valley Link  (765kV) project.  The Valley Link (765kV) project includes a second line further south in Virginia impacting Campbell County, Fauquier County, and Caroline County.  

1. MPRP - See Maryland 

2. MID - ATLANTIC Resiliency Link (MARL) / Gore-Doubs-Goose Creek (500kV)

The Virginia segments of this project cross Frederick County, Clarke County and Loudoun County Virginia.  Much of the line is expected to be within FirstEnergy's existing 138kV right-of-way , replacing the existing wooden H-frames with 185' mono-poles for the new 500kV with the existing 138kV line underbuilt on the same pole. However,  there are places where the row is to be expanded as well as new greenfield segments in some areas particularly around the substations maps are available on-line (see links below)

Contact :  https://stopmarlvirginia.com/

Three companies are expected to submit applications to the Virginia SCC to build segments of the overall project:

1. NextERA 's portion of the transmission line is called Mid-Atlantic Resiliency Link (MARL) this impacts one county in Virginia: Frederick County. 

2. First Energy's portion of the transmission line is called Gore-Doubs-GooseCreek this impacts three counties in Virginia: Frederick, Clarke and north western Loudoun Counties

3. Dominion Energy is building a segment in eastern Loudoun from the Potomac River to the Golden Substation this segment is approximately 3 miles and will be entirely within the existing easement.

Open houses have already been held and the maps are available online.

Next ERA MARL Project map: MARL Project Map

First Energy Gore-Doubs-GooseCreek Project map: First Energy Interactive Maps

Status of Virginia State Corporation Commission Cases:

NextERA - MARL

Impacts: Frederick County

VA SCC Case Number: TBD

Status: Application Has Not Been filed

Case Dates: TBD

First Energy - Gore - Doubs - Goose Creek

Impacts: Frederick, Clarke & Loudoun Counties

VA SCC Case Number: TBD

Status: Application Has Not Been filed

Case Dates: TBD

3. Valley Link (765 kV) northern line

Valley Link Transmission Virginia, LLC was created specifically to build this line, the parent company is First Energy.  The entire 261 mile length of this line will require a brand new 200' easement ! This proposal is based on "cheaper" Guyed V-lattice tower construction. Guyed V-lattice towers are possibly the foulest, most land use restrictive, intensive and invasive electric infrastructure available! 

Contact :  https://stopmarlvirginia.com/

Routing Study/Survey  Maps

No open Houses have been scheduled in Virginia and no maps have been shared with the public. Property owners have reported seeing survey crews and overhead helicopters.  Routing studies / surveying is underway!  Property owners do not have to give access to survey crews - just say no! The northern Valley Link  proposal is consistent with the route along the Mount Storm - Doubs transmission line proposed for the PATH Transmission Line that was officially cancelled by PJM in 2012.

Historical PATH Transmission line route study map along the Mt. Storm - Doubs corridor: