Valley Link aims to meet growing energy demand, but farmers fear losing family land
A proposed billion-dollar Valley Link transmission line is intended to address Virginia's rising electricity demand, including demand from data centers. Farmers in Appomattox County, including Melanie and Chris Ranson, oppose routes that would cross their land, while utilities say the project is needed to prevent future power shortages and protect customers from higher costs.
Valley Link, a proposed transmission line backed by FirstEnergy, Dominion Energy and Appalachian Power, is being considered as Virginia faces rapidly increasing electricity demand. Appalachian Power spokesperson George Porter said PJM Interconnection forecasts the state may lack sufficient power by 2030 or 2031, with data centers among the major drivers of demand alongside population growth, vehicle electrification and manufacturing.
Several proposed routes cross the Appomattox County farm owned by Melanie and Chris Ranson, who say the project could force them to sell their cattle and jeopardize land preserved by their family for generations. Utilities say they are seeking public input and have introduced consumer safeguards, but the final route still requires approval from the Virginia State Corporation Commission and no decision date has been set.