According to the 2020 FCC Broadband Consumer Guide, broadband, or high-speed Internet access, allows users to access the Internet and Internet-related services at significantly higher speeds than those available through "dial-up" services. Broadband speeds vary significantly depending on the technology and level of service ordered. Broadband services for residential consumers typically provide faster downstream speeds (from the Internet to your computer) than upstream speeds (from your computer to the Internet).

Dominion Energy is proposing to install fiber optic communications cable in many areas of our service territory as part of our efforts to transform Virginia’s energy grid into a more reliable and resilient system. As part of that work, we are also looking into ways we can help provide "middle mile" broadband service in rural areas of the state that do not have broadband service today. It is often too expensive for traditional Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to install fiber across the long distances that often exist between the largest data connections and homes and businesses. We may be able to fill that void by using Dominion Energy's telecommunications network to bridge the gap by making our broadband capacity available to non-governmental internet service providers in unserved communities.

No. Dominion Energy is not an Internet Service Provider. We are installing fiber in rural areas as we move forward with efforts to transform Virginia’s energy grid and improve system reliability and grid security. By utilizing fiber capacity for both our operational needs and for broadband access, Dominion Energy can help reduce broadband deployment costs for ISPs to reach “unserved” homes and businesses. Note, under this initiative, “unserved by broadband" means a designated area in which less than 10 percent are capable of receiving high-speed broadband service greater than 25 MBps download speed and 3 MBps upload speed.

It’s cost effective for Internet Service Providers to lay fiber for broadband in areas that are populated. But in certain rural areas, the “middle mile” connecting communities, is often too costly to install if used solely for broadband service. Dominion Energy may be able to install the “middle mile” and therefore “shorten” the last mile for ISPs to provide less-populated communities with broadband internet. To hear Dominion Energy CEO Tom Farrell speaking about broadband and the “middle-mile,” watch this video: https://youtu.be/8mHybUwissA

We are partnering with internet service providers (ISPs) to determine areas suitable for broadband expansion. Dominion Energy is offering to serve as the middle-mile provider for fiber. When eligible areas and neighborhoods are identified, the Rural Broadband project team will begin a comprehensive outreach process to work cooperatively with localities and property owners to add fiber optic cable to existing poles with our electric distribution lines once all the necessary approvals are received.

Because the middle-mile program is planned throughout our rural service area, both Dominion Energy and contract employees of the Company will be involved – including project management, design, right of way, easements, communications, and installation/removal of equipment. Refer to “Projects” section of this webpage for authorized contractors working on each project location.

The time required will vary among projects. Property owners will be notified in advance of a scheduled project.

Dominion Energy is not an internet service provider; however these projects help local ISPs to offer broadband service to additional homes and businesses who do not have a broadband option currently. Please refer to the “Projects” section of this webpage for more details on internet service expansion by ISPs.

For most of the Dominion Energy’s middle-mile fiber projects under this initiative, the only additional equipment will be the addition of a single new communications cable, attached to poles in such a manner as to not interfere with power lines or other communications infrastructure. Occasionally, a coil bracket with extra fiber may be attached to a pole to ensure future repairs can be made in an efficient manner.

Some of our telecommunications partners also own poles that other utilities, including Dominion Energy, may attach to. When an additional fiber optic cable is added the existing poles may not be adequate. Whenever an existing pole is not adequate to install a new fiber optic cable, the project team will work with landowners and coordinate replacement with a new pole that meets today’s standards.

In most instances, there will be virtually little to no impact to your property, other than that associated with the minimal work required for fiber optic cable installation. Example of a typical fiber optic cable installation on overhead distribution power line. Along with safety, respecting property is a top priority. We work with our customers during and after installation to minimize impact and inconvenience. Dominion Energy is committed to leaving our customer’s property in the same condition or better once construction work has been completed.

Dominion Energy will maintain the electrical service to existing power lines. In the event a brief outage is needed during fiber optic cable construction, crews will work with the project team to notify customers in advance, whenever possible.

Dominion Energy does not compensate for the easements required for the Rural Broadband program. The Program is voluntary, and customers can signal their support to expand high speed internet to rural locations by signing a supplementary communication easement to allow for installation of a third-party communication line.

If the Company is not able to secure the necessary easements, the overall project could be jeopardized or delayed as we will be required to identify other viable routes, if any, to build out the fiber network.  Also, any changes in project scope to avoid parcels without the necessary easements (known as “work-arounds”) could add significant costs to the overall project; costs that are borne by all customers. Project delays mean that residents in rural communities will continue to lack broadband service which can hinder economic growth, tele-medicine, access to online education and overall communication services.

Dominion Energy employees and/or contractors will work cooperatively with property owners to obtain the rights necessary to perform the work needed to expand broadband access to their neighbors and community. The Company and its representatives will work with property owners along the distribution line where middle-mile fiber is to be installed to develop a plan, which may include a request to sign a “Supplementary Communication Rights Easement Agreement.” Dominion and/or our authorized contractors will thus contact owners of property where a supplementary communication easement is needed.

This easement agreement provides legal permission to install a new communication line in support of expanding broadband access. Easements enable utility companies to access public or private land for specific purposes such as constructing, maintaining, repairing, and/or replacing lines and equipment. The property owner still owns the land subject to the limited rights granted to the utility company. Any changes in project scope to avoid parcels without the necessary easements (known as “work-arounds”) could add significant costs and delays to the project; costs that are borne by all customers.