Virginia lawmakers weigh expansion of underground power line pilot

Virginia lawmakers are negotiating legislation that could expand the state’s pilot program allowing certain high-voltage electric transmission lines to be constructed underground, a move that could influence how future grid infrastructure projects are developed across the Commonwealth. 

The proposal, Senate Bill 651, is currently in conference committee after the Virginia Senate rejected a substitute version adopted by the Virginia House of Delegates. According to E&E Leader, lawmakers from both chambers must now reconcile differences before the measure can advance.

Under Virginia’s existing program, utilities are allowed to propose two qualifying underground transmission projects. The House version of the legislation would expand the pilot to four projects and increase the allowable voltage threshold to 500 kilovolts, up from the current 230-kV limit, potentially opening the door to larger regional transmission lines being buried rather than built overhead.

Supporters say expanding the program would provide utilities and communities with greater flexibility when routing transmission infrastructure through areas where overhead lines face environmental or local opposition. However, E&E Leader reported, underground transmission construction typically costs significantly more than overhead systems, and the pilot program requires local governments supporting underground segments to help cover the additional costs.

Energy planners, utilities and local governments are closely watching the outcome of the negotiations as rising electricity demand and new generation projects increase pressure to expand transmission capacity across Virginia’s power grid.