Loudoun homeowners appear to lose battle with Dominion’s data center transmission lines
The Virginia State Corporation Commission has ruled in favor of Dominion Energy, allowing the construction of high-voltage transmission lines through homeowners' backyards in eastern Loudoun County. This project, known as Golden to Mars, is intended to power growing data center demand, but faces strong opposition from residents who are disappointed with their local leaders.
The Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC) has issued a final order allowing Dominion Energy to build nine miles of high-voltage transmission lines through residential properties in eastern Loudoun County. The project, referred to as Golden to Mars, aims to connect the Golden and Mars substations to meet the "unprecedented pace" of electricity demand from data centers.
Homeowners, including Vicki Hu from Loudoun Valley Estates, expressed devastation over the ruling, stating their backyards would be impacted by 185-foot transmission lines. Hu criticized local leaders, suggesting the situation would not exist if fewer data centers had been approved in the county, and even offered to swap homes with Dominion Energy's CEO.
There is a dispute between local government entities regarding the route. The Loudoun County Board of Supervisors advocated for an alternative route that would be less impactful to homeowners, but this was rejected by the SCC because the Loudoun County School Board did not grant approval, citing concerns about it running across active school property. Supervisors plan to send a letter urging the School Board to reconsider their stance before a July 20th deadline, after which the SCC would lose authority to change its order.
Dominion Energy stated its appreciation for the SCC's order, emphasizing the project's urgency for grid reliability. Homeowners have a town hall scheduled with elected officials to discuss their concerns about the project.