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We currently operate an overhead 115 kilovolt (kV) transmission line that, for about 2-miles, crosses the Rappahannock River and is partially attached to the Norris Bridge (Route 3). The two mile river crossing is part of a single 115 kV transmission line (Line #65) that runs for about 38 miles between our Northern Neck Substation in Richmond County and our Harmony Village Substation in Middlesex County. This provides critical electric service to approximately 19,000 customers in the area and is a primary source of electric power to the Northern Neck peninsula.
The current transmission line includes seven wooden H-frame structures in the water and 14 attachments to the bridge. The Rappahannock River Crossing Project will replace the aging wooden poles and bridge attachments.
The approved project will replace the existing overhead transmission line and partially attached to the Norris Bridge with an underground transmission line.
Once the new line is constructed, the wooden poles and the attachments on the bridge will be removed.
In its findings, the State Corporation Commission has confirmed that this rebuild project is needed and will improve electric reliability for the 16,000 homes and businesses in the Northern Neck area that depend on us.
Photo simulations and diagrams provide representational views of proposed electric transmission facilities. These illustrations do not necessarily depict exact structure design or physical placement. All projects are subject to change and to final engineering.
Rappahannock Transition Station
Depictions of previously considered options
Previous versions
The State Corporation Commission (SCC) is responsible for verifying the need, route and environmental impact of transmission lines in Virginia. Dominion Energy submitted its application regarding this project on February 29, 2016. On December 21, 2017, the Virginia State Corporation Commission issued its Final Order approving the project. The Commission found, among other things, that there is a need for the project and the rebuild will replace the transmission line currently partially attached to the Norris Bridge with an underground transmission line. Documents related to the case are made available to the public on the SCC Docket Search section of the SCC web site, in the "Search Cases" section (enter case number PUE-2016-00021). In addition, interested parties may also comment directly to the SCC by sending an email to sccinfo@scc.virginia.gov.
To learn more about this process, view our SCC process map.
Application Documents
Supplemental Filing
In accordance with the Hearing Examiner’s July 22 and August 3, 2016 rulings, Dominion Energy filed with the State Corporation Commission supplemental testimony and analysis regarding two additional rebuild configurations raised by case participant William Barnhardt. These two options are currently under consideration for approval in the case, in addition to the Company’s proposal and two alternatives included in its initial application filing.
Procedural Schedule
The following are the key dates and developments related to the SCC review 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.
Key Dates
SCC Approved Routes
Routes previously under SCC consideration
The Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC) regulates the construction and operation of electric transmission lines of 138kV and above. This project involves a transmission line at the 115kV level. The SCC ruled on December 11, 2015 that they are requiring Dominion Energy to submit an application for Commission review as this project has been deemed to be outside the ordinary extension or improvement in the usually course of doing business provision of the Virginia Code. The full docket related to this ruling can be found on the SCC’s website by searching for case number: PUE-2015-00109.
Dominion Energy plans to proceed with this important rebuild project safely and in accordance with all requirements, as it does for each of its projects.
Other Permitting Requirements
In April 2015, Dominion Energy applied for a permit from the Virginia Marine Resource Commission (VMRC), which regulates encroachment on Virginia’s bottomlands. The Company also filed a Joint Permit application with the Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE). The joint application through the ACOE facilitates and coordinates review from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Coast Guard, and the Environmental Protection Agency, among others.
As of August 20, 2015, we received permitting review and approval through the VMRC and Army Corps of Engineers to rebuild the existing line as an above-ground facility.
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