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 Loudoun County homeowners' properties, despite local opposition. This decision, part of the Golden to Mars project, aims to address urgent electricity demand primarily driven by the county's numerous data centers. The ruling has intensified a dispute between the Loudoun County School Board and Board of Supervisors over the transmission line's route.
The Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC) has issued a final order allowing Dominion Energy to construct a high-voltage transmission line, known as the Golden to Mars project, through private properties in eastern Loudoun County. This decision has been met with strong opposition from homeowners, including Ashburn resident Vicky Hu, who expressed feeling "violated" by the prospect of 185-foot transmission lines near her home.
Dominion Energy asserts the nine-mile transmission line, connecting its Golden and Mars substations, is critical for grid reliability. The company states that electricity demand is growing at an unprecedented pace, largely due to the more than 200 data centers approved by Loudoun County's past and present Boards of Supervisors.
The SCC's approved route, Route 3A, was opposed by the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors, who preferred Route 4 as less impactful to residents. However, Route 4 was rejected by the Loudoun County School Board, as it would traverse active school property. Loudoun County Attorney Leo Roger has urged the School Board to reconsider its stance by July 20th, warning that without a change, the SCC's order becomes final.
Loudoun County Supervisor Kristen Umstattd echoed this sentiment, advocating for the School Board to hold an emergency meeting to approve Route 4, calling Route 3A the "worst" option. The School Board, while acknowledging the project's importance, disagreed with the SCC that Route 4 best serves the public interest due to safety and operational concerns for its schools. A joint public meeting between the School Board and Board of Supervisors is scheduled for July 29, 2026, to gather community input, with a town hall for residents also planned for July 6, 2026, in Leesburg.