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Staff briefs commission on multiple proposed transmission lines and substations crossing Fauquier County
Summary
County staff summarized eight pending transmission-line projects and five potential substations that could cross Fauquier County, highlighting an HVDC underground line already supported by the board, a proposed Joshua Falls–Yeet 765 kV line with a potential 'super substation' concern, and several other loop and rebuild projects; staff said routing and details remain preliminary.
At the Jan. 21 work session, planning staff summarized two lists compiled by county volunteers and staff: eight pending transmission lines that could traverse Fauquier County and five potential substation sites. Staff credited volunteer research (notably by Cindy Burbank) and said the items most likely to affect the county were highlighted.
Staff described a proposed HVDC (high-voltage direct current) underground line running from North Carolina to Aldi (staff said the board previously passed a resolution of support for that project) and other projects including a proposed 765-kV Joshua Falls-to-Yeet line that would cross Fauquier and multiple counties and that would terminate at a new "super substation" site—land that had earlier been considered for solar and that raised questions about what future land use could follow. Staff said some proposed lines generally follow existing rights-of-way and could be rebuilds rather than new corridors, while others would require right-of-way expansion and state approvals.
Staff emphasized that much of the mapping and routing remains preliminary: for some proposals there is little more than a dot on a map. The commission was told technicians typically visit the existing ILA site about once per month and that staff will continue to share new information as it becomes available. Commissioners asked clarifying questions about service-system boundaries and the status of earlier applications.
Why it matters: Large transmission projects and new substations can involve land-use, environmental and property impacts and may trigger state permitting and utility siting reviews. The projects outlined are at varying stages of development; the work session provided an informational update rather than a decision point.
No motions or formal actions were taken; staff will continue to monitor and report on developments to the commission.
