Jasper–Okatie–Riverport

Dominion Energy South Carolina (DESC) is conducting a series of new electric transmission projects in Jasper County to continue to meet the growing demand for safe and reliable energy in the area. The projects require the acquisition of new right-of-way easements, the installation of two new 230 kV lines and the addition of a new electric substation. Once installed, this system enhancement will facilitate increased electrical reliability and improved flow of power across the electrical grid.

DESC is installing two new 230 kV lines in Jasper County. The first 230 kV line begins at the Jasper Generating Plant and ends at the Okatie Substation. The second 230 kV line begins at the Okatie Substation and ends at the new Riverport Substation.

Because this project requires the acquisition of new rights of way, DESC conducted a siting study to determine the optimal route for the lines, including workshops to gather public feedback. Additionally, a third-party consulting firm was contracted to analyze different route options and various environmental and visual impacts. After the siting study was complete, DESC chose the optimal route and notified the impacted property owners to begin the right-of-way acquisition process.

While most of the line is away from heavily traveled areas, there may be traffic control set up at road crossings occasionally as Dominion Energy and its contractors ensure the work is completed safely and effectively. The three major road crossings associated with this project are Highway 17, Main Street in Hardeeville, and Independence Boulevard (Highway 141). Dominion Energy expects there to be no interruptions to existing customer’s power.

All rights-of-way have been acquired for this project, and DESC has begun engineering design, environmental permitting and material procurement.