Dominion submits alternative route 3A for Loudoun County power line project

In a recent joint meeting of the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors and the School Board, significant discussions centered around Dominion Energy's proposed changes to power line routes in the area. The meeting, held on June 2, 2025, highlighted the ongoing efforts to address community concerns regarding overhead power lines and the potential for undergrounding options.

The county has engaged engineering firms and outside counsel to assist in reviewing Dominion's application, which includes a newly proposed alternative route, referred to as Route 3A. This route aims to avoid school property while shifting the power lines closer to residential areas in Loudoun Valley Estates. The proposed changes involve more complex engineering, requiring additional poles to navigate the bends in the new route.

Both the Board of Supervisors and the School Board have expressed a preference for undergrounding the power lines, particularly given the potential risks associated with overhead lines. However, Dominion Energy has cited significant challenges in implementing underground options, including the need for a transition station and difficulties related to local geography and existing infrastructure.

The State Corporation Commission (SCC) has yet to publish a scheduling order that will outline the timeline for public hearings and the submission of testimony. County officials are awaiting this document to engage further in the SCC process. The collaborative approach between the two boards is seen as beneficial, with both entities planning to participate jointly in the upcoming proceedings.

Concerns were raised about the proximity of the new route to schools and residential properties, with discussions indicating that the proposed Route 3A would be within 500 feet of school facilities. The county attorney confirmed that both boards would continue to work together to address community concerns and explore all possible options for the power line project.

As the process moves forward, the community will have opportunities to voice their opinions during public hearings, which are anticipated to occur later this year. The outcome of these discussions and the SCC's decisions will have lasting implications for the residents of Loudoun County, particularly regarding safety and infrastructure development.