Loudoun County Board approves new power line to support data center demands

The Loudoun County Board of Supervisors convened on July 1, 2025, to discuss critical infrastructure developments, particularly focusing on new power transmission lines and their implications for the county's energy grid and data center growth.

A significant portion of the meeting centered around the proposed installation of new 500 kV transmission lines. Board members expressed mixed feelings about the necessity and implications of these lines. Supervisor Brixman raised concerns regarding the purpose of the new lines, questioning whether they were intended to meet existing power demands or to facilitate future growth, particularly in relation to data centers. She indicated her intention to abstain from voting due to insufficient information about the lines' purpose.

In contrast, Supervisor Kershner supported the proposal, highlighting the aesthetic improvements of the new poles compared to existing lattice structures. He emphasized that the new poles would enhance capacity while remaining within the same right-of-way.

Supervisor Turner provided a broader context, explaining that the new lines are part of a larger plan to address the constraints of the Loudoun County grid. He noted that the county is facing increasing energy demands, particularly from data centers, and that each new data center would necessitate additional transmission lines. Turner warned that the current proposal is insufficient to meet future energy needs, urging the board to consider the long-term implications of their decisions.

The discussion also touched on the regulatory landscape, with officials noting that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) ultimately dictates the approval process for such infrastructure projects. This highlights the limited influence the Board of Supervisors has over the final outcomes.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the ongoing challenges Loudoun County faces in balancing energy infrastructure development with the rapid growth of data centers. As the board navigates these complex issues, the decisions made will have lasting impacts on the county's energy landscape and its ability to meet future demands.