Orange County board warned of proposed Dominion 765 kV transmission route, tentative public open houses
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Summary
The board heard an update that Dominion is preparing route alternatives for a proposed 765 kV transmission line through Orange County and plans mailings to property owners within 1 mile; an open house was tentatively set for March 9 and the State Corporation Commission will ultimately decide. The county said it will monitor and decide whether to participate in the SCC process.
The Orange County Board of Supervisors heard a status update on Feb. 10 about a potential Dominion Energy transmission project that would run a 765-kilovolt line through parts of the county.
Chairman J. Bridal Nichols told the board Dominion intends to submit an application "likely late later this year on a final proposed route for a 765 kV line" and that Dominion planned mailings to landowners within one mile of any proposed route. "This is not a matter for the board to approve or not approve. It does not fall within our authority," Nichols said, noting the State Corporation Commission (SCC) is the deciding body for the utility’s application.
Nichols said Dominion declined the board’s invitation to present at the Feb. 10 meeting and again declined to appear at the Feb. 24 meeting; Dominion has indicated open-house sessions will follow and one date tentatively floated was March 9. The chairman said the county will post public notices and the proposed map on the county website when the materials are received and will pay close attention to the schedule and comment opportunities.
The board discussed outreach and the county attorney’s recent review of what options the county has to participate in SCC proceedings, including filing a notice of participation as some neighboring jurisdictions have done. Nichols said staff and the board will review any formal application from Dominion and decide whether to join the SCC process.
Board members were reminded that Dominion’s initial materials had not been received by the Feb. 10 meeting; the chairman encouraged residents to monitor county postings and the announced open houses for opportunities to review proposed routes and submit comments.
