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Walnut Creek Substation
Overview
We plan to build a new substation in central Albemarle County, Virginia. This new infrastructure will maintain electric reliability, comply with federal standards, and support local economic growth. Walnut Creek Substation will be located near the intersection of Old Lynchburg Road and Red Hill Road, collocated with the existing electric transmission right of way.
Benefits
- New structures located in the same general location as existing structures
- Complies with mandatory standards to ensure safety, reliability and to meet future needs
- Strengthens area reliability
- Strengthens operational flexibility
Documents
Maps
FAQs
For more questions and concerns, please call us M–F 8 a.m.–5 p.m. at 888-291-0190 or email us at powerline@dominionenergy.com.
At most substations, the voltage is lowered in order to safely distribute energy to homes and businesses. At some substations, the energy is not yet distributed to customers and voltage is kept at transmission level. These stations are called switching stations, and they are important facilities in a strong and secure grid. The initial build-out of the proposed Walnut Creek facility will be a switching station.
Typically, transformers are the primary pieces of substation equipment that produce a humming noise. Walnut Creek Substation will not include transformers in the initial build-out, so you should not notice increased noise levels after construction. The substation will comply with all County noise ordinances.
Photo simulations of the proposed facility are available for you to view in the meeting presentation on this project's “Meetings” page.
We routinely inspect and maintain electric equipment for continued safe operation, and our substation design incorporates measures against fire. The substation perimeter also has a physical barrier and the gravel footprint is kept free of vegetation to prevent the spread of fire.
Dominion Energy designs and builds transmission lines to meet or exceed industry standards for optimal hardening against natural events. The company also maintains rigorous inspection and maintenance programs for these assets. Dominion Energy’s Electric Transmission Forestry team is committed to ensuring safe operating conditions for electric assets by keeping rights of way clear of debris and potential fuel sources, clearing danger and hazard trees outside rights of way, and working closely with federal, state and local authorities. More information on our vegetation practices is available in our Vegetation Management document.
Dominion Energy held a project community meeting on January 31, 2024. If you were not able to attend the meeting, you can review the materials on the “Meetings” page for this project. Call us at 888-291-0190 or send an email to powerline@dominionenergy.com to engage with our team.
This project is not expected to disrupt your electric service. If there are any planned temporary disruptions to your power supply, we will make every effort to notify you in advance of that work.
Meetings
On Wednesday, January 31, 2024, our project team hosted a community meeting to provide information and answer questions about the proposed Walnut Creek Substation. Additionally, Albemarle County staff provided an overview of the county review process, and community members asked questions and provided feedback on the project.
Miss the meeting on January 31, 2024? View the presentation.
Timeline
Upcoming
April 2026
Restoration Activities
Late 2025
Project completion (expected)
2025
Mid February - Late December 2025
Construction Activities
January 2025
Pre Construction activities
2024
Summer 2024
Permitting removal of existing structures on substation site.
January 2024
Hosted community meeting
2023
Fall 2023
Began pursuing necessary permits and approvals in Albemarle County
Mid-2023
Purchased substation property
Impacts
Service Interruption
Your electric service is not expected to be impacted by this project.
Neighborhood
Access to surrounding neighborhoods will not be impacted.
Traffic
There may be some traffic delays.
Noise
Noise levels will be moderate; permits are in place.
Environment
This project may have limited environmental impacts.
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