Dominion Transmission Project to Reduce Chesterfield Backyards
TL;DR: Dominion Energy's new transmission line project approved to run through western Chesterfield will require property line adjustments affecting Hallsley and other residents, with construction slated to begin in February 2027.
Quick facts
- Who: Dominion Energy; hundreds of Chesterfield County residents in western areas
- What: Western Chesterfield Electric Transmission Improvement Project: two 230-kilovolt transmission lines spanning 7.1 miles from Midlothian Substation to new Duval Substation
- When: SCC approved March 2, 2026; construction to begin February 2027; completion expected June 2028
- Where: Western Chesterfield County, primarily along Hallsley subdivision's western edge
The story
The Western Chesterfield Electric Transmission Improvement Project will construct two double-circuit 230-kilovolt transmission lines across a 7.1-mile corridor in western Chesterfield County. The new high-voltage infrastructure will connect the existing Midlothian Substation to a proposed new 5.1-acre Duval Substation on Duval Road. Dominion Energy has said the project is necessary to meet growing energy demand in the region, particularly to support development of planned data centers in the area, including a proposed Google hyperscale facility.
The project directly affects residents whose properties border the transmission line right-of-way, which will occupy a 160-foot corridor. The Virginia State Corporation Commission approved the project on March 2, 2026, selecting what it determined was the shortest above-ground route. That route runs along the western edge of the Hallsley subdivision. Hundreds of residents have voiced concerns about the project during the review process.
Dominion has not disclosed a total count of properties requiring land adjustments, but residents living within approximately 800 feet of the proposed line locations are directly affected. Resident Danielle Roach, who organized opposition to the above-ground route, started an online petition that garnered over 500 signatures. Affected homeowners have raised concerns about diminished property values, health effects from proximity to transmission lines, and loss of scenic views and usable yard space.
Dominion stated that undergrounding the transmission lines is "feasible" but estimated the cost would be approximately 900 million dollars for underground construction, compared to approximately 121 million dollars for above-ground lines. The company cited "significantly greater costs, extended construction times and the requirement for substantial space to accommodate additional infrastructure" as reasons for the above-ground selection. Dominion has said there is "no conclusive evidence that transmission lines cause adverse health effects."
State legislators including Delegate Mark Earley and Senator Glen Sturtevant attended meetings with residents and advocated for an underground alternative. Both officials stated in support of undergrounding: "Using underground transmission lines would leave intact the scenic views many of our residents enjoy, either from their backyards, in their neighborhoods, or while out and about and will also ease the worries of homeowners who wish to protect their housing and property values."
Construction is scheduled to begin in February 2027, with the transmission lines expected to be operational by June 2028.
Key players
- Dominion Energy: Project developer and utility operator seeking to build transmission lines
- Virginia State Corporation Commission: Regulatory body that approved the project on March 2, 2026
- Danielle Roach: Hallsley resident and community organizer who launched petition opposing above-ground route
- State Delegate Mark Earley: House District 73 legislator who attended resident meetings and advocated for underground alternative
- State Senator Glen Sturtevant: State senator who supported underground transmission line alternative
Key dates
- 2026-02-09: Virginia State Corporation Commission approves Western Chesterfield transmission project
- 2027-02-01: Construction scheduled to begin on transmission lines
- 2028-06-01: Transmission lines scheduled to be operational
The case for
Dominion and supporters emphasize that the transmission lines are necessary to support western Chesterfield's economic growth and data center development, ensure compliance with federal reliability standards, and meet growing energy demand. The above-ground route was deemed the shortest available by regulators and costs substantially less than underground alternatives, keeping energy costs lower for all customers.
The case against
Residents and local legislators contend that underground transmission lines, while more expensive, would preserve scenic views, protect property values, address health concerns from proximity to high-voltage lines, and protect neighborhood character. The significantly higher upfront cost of undergrounding, they argue, may be worth the long-term benefit to affected homeowners and communities.
Why it matters: The approved transmission line corridor will permanently alter the landscape and property boundaries for hundreds of Chesterfield residents in western neighborhoods like Hallsley, with construction disruption beginning in early 2027 and ongoing through mid-2028. Affected homeowners face potential property value impacts and loss of privacy and yard space in their own backyards.
Places
Development timeline
- 2024-08-01Dominion announces Western Chesterfield transmission project: Dominion Energy publicly announces plans for new transmission line infrastructure in western Chesterfield County [[source]](https://www.dominionenergy.com/)
- 2025-04-24Three proposed routes filed with regulators: Dominion submits three alternative routing options to Virginia State Corporation Commission for review [[source]](https://www.scc.virginia.gov/)
- 2025-10-05Public hearing held on transmission project: Virginia State Corporation Commission holds public hearing to receive testimony and evidence on proposed transmission line routes [[source]](https://www.scc.virginia.gov/)
- 2026-03-02SCC approves transmission project: Virginia State Corporation Commission issues Final Order approving Western Chesterfield Electric Transmission Improvement Project using Route 3B, described as the shortest route [[source]](https://www.scc.virginia.gov/)
- 2027-02-01Construction begins on transmission lines: Dominion Energy begins construction on new 7.1-mile transmission line corridor connecting Midlothian and Duval substations [[source]](https://www.dominionenergy.com/)
Related links
- Western Chesterfield Electric Transmission Improvement Project (Dominion Energy)
- Virginia State Corporation Commission Transmission Line Projects
- Chesterfield County Government
Read the original at WRIC 8News Local →
Sources
- State regulators OK Dominion project near Hallsley area of Chesterfield
- Chesterfield residents voice concerns about electric transmission line project
- Dominion to build new high voltage lines to supply proposed 900MW data center
- Western Chesterfield Electric Transmission Improvement Project
- Virginia State Corporation Commission