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Earleys-Tunis-Suffolk
Overview
We are planning to rebuild two aging electric transmission lines in northeast North Carolina in Hertford and Gates counties. One line continues to the City of Suffolk, Virginia. After more than five decades of dependable service, the existing structures and components on both lines are at the end of their service life. Replacing this equipment will maintain reliability for our customers.
The 44.3-mile, 230 kilovolt (kV) electric transmission line between our Suffolk and Earleys substations was built on wooden H-frame and weathering steel lattice structures. We are proposing to rebuild this line using a combination of brown, weathering steel H-frame structures and galvanized steel lattice structures. The 14.8-mile, 115 kV electric transmission line between our Tunis and Earleys substations was built on wooden monopole structures. We are proposing to rebuild this line using weathering steel monopole structures. No new right of way is needed.
Benefits
- Maintains current right of way
- New structures located in the same general location as existing structures
- Complies with mandatory standards to ensure safety, reliability and to meet future needs
- Minimizes impact to the community and environment
- Replaces aging infrastructure
Documents
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FAQs
Add your mailing address to our distribution list by calling 888-291-0190 or sending an email to powerline@dominionenergy.com.
The 44.3-mile, 230 kilovolt (kV) electric transmission line between our Suffolk and Earleys substations was built on wooden H-frame and weathering steel lattice structures. We are proposing to rebuild this line using a combination of brown, weathering steel H-frame structures and galvanized steel lattice structures. The 14.8-mile, 115 kV electric transmission line between our Tunis and Earleys substations was built on wooden monopole structures. We are proposing to rebuild this line using weathering steel monopole structures. No new right of way is needed.
Our forestry team will survey trees in the area to identify danger trees that need removal. Danger trees are trees outside the right of way, and possibly on your property, that have the potential to fall within 10 feet of the transmission wires or structures. Trees and tree limbs that come in contact with electric lines are a leading cause of power outages, especially during storms. The removal of danger trees is necessary to help prevent large scale outages in your community.
If we need to access your property, our forestry team or authorized contractors will contact you. We are committed to working safely and courteously on your property. If you have questions or concerns about the right of way corridor, please email etrow@dominionenergy.com or call 800-215-8032.
Dominion Energy completes an evaluation of potential environmental, cultural and historical impacts of the project. We will work with local, state and federal agencies to complete these evaluations and mitigate any impacts. Permitting agencies on transmission line projects typically include the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, the Virginia Marine Resources Commission, and the Virginia Department of Transportation. Commenting agencies include the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries and the Virginia Department of Historic Resources, among others. Our enterprise-wide environmental report describes our commitment to the responsible stewardship of natural resources and provides a wealth of information on environmental management and performance. We also invite you to read our Corporate Environmental Policy and our Greenhouse Gas Report.
Yes. Existing easement agreements will allow us access to private roads crossed by the right of way. The company, at its expense, will repair any private roads damaged by Dominion Energy or its contractors during construction of the line or during future maintenance. In addition, we will reimburse property owners for crop damage, and repair or replace fences or gates if we damage them.
We do not anticipate impacting your electricity, but if there are any planned temporary disruptions to your power supply, we will make every effort to notify you in advance of that work.
Legal
SCC Application
The Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC) is responsible for verifying the need, approving the route and structures and reviewing the environmental impact of certain transmission lines in Virginia. On 14 November, 2023, Dominion Energy filed its application with the SCC.
- Our SCC application review process
- Application volume 1
- Application volume 2
- Order for Notice and Comment
The SCC issued its Final Order approving the project on June 11, 2024. Documents related to the case are available to the public on the SCC Docket of the SCC website or search by Case No. PUR-2023-00203 in the "Search Cases" section. In addition, interested parties may visit the SCC Case Comments Page where individual mailboxes are available for each case accepting public comments. Please note, the mailbox may not be available until a scheduling order is issued, typically several weeks after an application is filed.
SCC Timeline
For the most up-to-date and full listing of motions, rulings, and other related documents, please refer to the SCC docket for this case.
- November 2023 – File project with the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC) for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN)
- January 19, 2024 - Proof of Notice and Publication deadline
- March 26, 2024 - Notices of Participation deadline
- April 2, 2024 - Deadline for interested party public comments
- April 9, 2024 - Staff Report deadline
- April 16, 2024 - Dominion Energy Virginia Rebuttal deadline
- June 11, 2024 - SCC issues its Final Order approving the project
Meetings
Unable to attend? Contact us with your questions by sending an email to powerline@dominionenergy.com or by calling 888-291-0190.
Tuesday, September 12, 2023
Community Meeting
5–7 p.m.
Rennee Celebration Center
178 E Washington Street
Suffolk, VA 23434
There is no formal presentation; stop by anytime during the open house.
Wednesday, September 13, 2023
Community meeting
5–7 p.m.
Cooper’s Lounge & Events LLC
1200 Memorial Drive E, Ste. B
Ahoskie, NC 27910
There is no formal presentation; stop by anytime during the open house.
Timeline
2028
Fall 2028–Spring 2029
Right of way restoration activities
Late Summer 2028
Expected rebuild completion
2027
Fall 2027
Phase 2 construction activities begin: 230 kV and 115 kV rebuild between Tunis and Suffolk substations
2026
Spring 2026
Phase 1 construction activities begin: 230 kV rebuild between Earleys and Tunis substations
March 2026
Prepare construction access
January 2026
Begin forestry activities
2025
Early 2025
Right of way encroachment review
2024
June 11, 2024
Final SCC order issued, approving the project
2023
November 2023
File project with the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC) for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN)
September 12 & 13, 2023
Project open houses
Spring 2023
Project announcement; public engagement begins
Construction-Related Impact
Service Interruption
Your electric service is not expected to be impacted by this project.
Traffic
This project is not expected to impact traffic.
Noise
Noise levels will be moderate; permits are in place.
Neighborhood
Access to surrounding neighborhoods will not be impacted.
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