Virginia Advances Transmission Line Project Despite Opposition

A 765-kilovolt transmission line proposed by Dominion Energy, Transource, and FirstEnergy would stretch roughly 100 miles from the Joshua Falls substation in Campbell County to a new Yeat substation in Fauquier County. The line forms one segment of the larger Valley Link project, which PJM Interconnection approved in 2025 as part of its Regional Transmission Expansion Plan.

The State Corporation Commission will decide the final route and construction permit.

Energy jointly proposed Valley Link after receiving interconnection requests from data centers. The utility will determine whether smaller lines can maintain grid reliability or whether larger projects like Valley Link are required. Transource, jointly owned by American Electric Power and Evergy, is a partner on the project.

The Joshua Falls to Yeat segment alone is estimated to cost about $1 billion and is scheduled to be in service by 2029.

Goochland and surrounding counties have expressed opposition at public meetings. They cite the height of the towers, which would reach 135 to 165 feet, and the width of the required right-of-way clearing. Goochland County approved a technology overlay district in November that restricts data-center development to designated areas.

Some residents are suing in Goochland County Circuit Court, arguing the district creates inconsistent zoning standards. Louisa County allocated $250,000 in May for legal expenses to oppose the project. County Board of Supervisors Chair Duane Adams stated the board would continue to protect residents at every level.

Advocacy groups including the Louisa County Farm Bureau, the National Parks Conservation Association, and the Piedmont Environmental Council have also voiced opposition. Preservation Virginia added several counties to its 2026 list of most endangered historic places, citing potential impacts on 11 historic districts and seven battlefields.

Link spokesperson Craig Carper said at a Goochland open house that the line is intended to maintain grid reliability for new customers, including manufacturers. He noted it would be the first 765-kilovolt line in the Dominion zone and would increase connectivity with other states.