Dominion weighs underground option for Virginia 230-kV power line

(UI) — Prince William County officials are formally urging Dominion Energy and Virginia regulators to consider underground construction for a proposed 230-kilovolt electric transmission line linking Nokesville and Bristow, citing community impacts and concerns with all currently proposed overhead routes.

In a Dec. 22 letter to State Corporation Commission (SCC) Chairman Samuel Towell, County Executive Christopher J. Shorter said the county’s Board of Supervisors has directed staff to oppose the three overhead route options Dominion is evaluating for the roughly 6.5-mile transmission project. The line would connect an existing substation in Nokesville to a planned substation in the Bristow area.

The board adopted a resolution earlier this month expressing concern over potential impacts to residents and calling on Dominion and the SCC to underground the new transmission line within Prince William County. County officials said the resolution reflects both board direction and community feedback gathered during recent outreach efforts.

According to the letter, Dominion is expected to submit its application for the Nokesville–Bristow 230-kV project to the SCC in the second quarter of 2026. County staff indicated they will continue working with Dominion and commission staff as route evaluations advance.

The proposed project is intended to support electric reliability in one of Virginia’s fastest-growing regions, but county leaders said routing decisions will be critical as development pressures increase and available corridors become more constrained.

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