Dominion To Present Power Line Options at Open House

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Dominion Virginia Power is presenting its latest proposed routes for a new power line in western Prince William County at an open house this evening in Haymarket.

The power company is hosting the open house from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Battlefield High School, at 15000 Graduation Drive. The next step for Dominion Virginia Power is to file an application with the State Corporation Commission (SCC) to build the line.

The new line would require new land for the right of way, from the Prince William Parkway interchange with Interstate 66 to a proposed substation at the U.S. 15 interchange with I-66 near Haymarket, radio station WTOP reported. The proposed routes include two that would largely follow I-66, and three that split off to the south around Gainesville.

According to media reports, Dominion Power says the new power line is needed for the area’s long-term growth, and to provide power for a new data center.

But opponents question whether the power line is needed, and say that its tall towers will despoil the area’s rural landscape.

The SCC will make the final decision on the route of the power line. Dominion Power says it could begin construction next year and complete the line and substation by 2018.