Fact Sheet Carson-Suffolk 500 kV Line and
Suffolk-Thrasher 230 kV Line
Study Area
The study
area for the approximately 60-mile long 500-kV line encompassed portions
of Dinwiddie, Prince George, Sussex, Southampton and Isle of Wight counties,
and the City of Suffolk. The 230-kV Line is proposed on existing right-of-way
from the City of Suffolk into the City of Chesapeake.
The south Hampton Roads area of Virginia and the Outer Banks
of North Carolina comprise approximately a third of Dominion’s 2.3 million
electric customers. This area is served partially by local power stations, but
is also dependent on transmission facilities to transfer electric power into
the area. There are presently two 500-kV lines that bring in 40 percent of the
power requirements. Reliability studies indicate a growing demand for electricity
in this area. By the summer of 2011, our customers in this area will experience
significant electric service reliability issues. Jeopardizing the power supply
of one third of our electric customers is not acceptable. By building a 500-kV
line from the Carson Substation, we would tap into an area that has abundant
and reliable energy. The proposed 230 kV-lines between Suffolk and Chesapeake
will move the power further east into the center of the high electric demand.
Route Selection
The company's route selection for new transmission lines
begins with a review of its existing right-of-ways. Though there are existing
transmission lines between Carson and Suffolk Substations, the right-of-way
associated with those facilities is not sufficient for the proposed 500 kV
line.
The proposed 230 kV line between Suffolk Substation and Thrasher
Substation in the City of Chesapeake can be placed almost entirely on existing
or rebuilt structures and located entirely within existing right-of-ways.
Dominion determined a routing study was required for the
500 kV line and obtained the services of Burns and McDonnell Engineering Co.,
Inc. A study area was defined that included portions of Dinwiddie, Prince George,
Sussex, Southampton and Isle of Wight counties.
A multitude of routing possibilities were presented to local,
state and federal agencies for comment. In addition, public workshops were
held in October, 2006, so the public could learn about the project
and offer their comments. A number of these routes were analyzed, and a Proposed
and an Alternate route were selected.
Proposed Route
The proposed route is west of and follows the same direction
as U.S. Route 460. It will parallel portions of the existing 500 kV and 115
kV lines when practicable, and share a portion of that existing right-of-way.
Typically, a 500 kV line will require a right-of-way that
is 150 feet wide. Where the proposed line can parallel an existing 500 kV line,
an additional right-of-way that is 100 feet wide will be required. Where the
proposed 500 kV line will parallel the existing 115 kV line, an additional
115 foot right-of-way will be established.
Alternate Route
An alternate route is offered for consideration that will
require all new right-of-way, but will have fewer homes within 500 feet of
the proposed route. It would leave the Carson Substation and enter the Suffolk
Substation in the same location as the proposed route. This route passes through
the rural and relatively undisturbed landscape of central Sussex and Southampton
Counties.
Prior to construction, Dominion must receive approval from
the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC). The SCC will require a public
hearing(s) to allow all parties to comment on the project. Once selected by
the SCC, the hearing date(s) will be advertised in local media.
