Those pesky electrons

 

Current structure vs. proposed (Dominion energy image)

You are reading this thanks to the movement of electrons between atoms that we know as electricity. Like it or not, modern life is dependent on this and we use it more every day.

On May 14, Dominion Energy (D)held an informational community meeting at the Residence Inn at the Notch to explain its proposal to rebuild existing lines between Midlothian and North Anna substations that run through Goochland County using current rights of way. This line crosses Broad Street Road in Oilville and Rt. 6 in Crozier before crossing the James River. (See https://www.dominionenergy.com/carson-northanna for details.)

These lines, which have been keeping local lights on for nearly 50 years, are reaching the end of their useful life and need to be upgraded. The new lines will carry 500 kilovolts on double circuit steel monopoles that will replace aging lattice structures. The new poles will be 190 feet, taller than structures currently in place and able to carry an additional 230 kv line for future expansion without adding more support structures.

For comparison, an existing monopole tower just south of Rt. 6 in Crozier is109 feet tall, the lattice structure rises 110 feet. The new configuration will use one pole with an average height of 190 feet to carry upgraded lines and accommodate another line using the same infrastructure.

Current power lines near Crozier (Google Earth Image)

Using existing rights of way wherever possible will minimize disruption to surrounding areas. D representatives said that land under the lines is often used for farming, riding horses and ATVs.

Placing power transmission lines underground is expensive and involves more land disturbance than above ground infrastructure. During construction, D takes great care to mitigate impact on environmentally sensitive areas like wetlands where clearing is done by hand and within 100 feet of streams. Matting is used to lessen the degree to which heavy equipment sinks into the ground during construction. Tree clearing outside of existing rights-of-way removes “danger trees those tall enough to fall on the lines. Inside the ROW—approximately 450 feet wide at the Carson substation, about 235 other places—trees, vegetation and other encroachments will be cleared to ensure safe operation.

The May 14 meeting was one of several planned along the route as part of the community engagement and will continue through July. An approval application will be filed with the state corporation commission in August with its final order expected in April 2027. Construction could begin in mid-2028 with completion by late 2030.

This project will benefit Goochland by improving the reliability and capacity of our power grid as we use more and more of those pesky electrons every day.

Please direct questions about the project to powerline@dominioneergy.com.