Dominion Energy, American Electric Power (AEP) and FirstEnergy will jointly develop transmission projects in Virginia, West Virginia and Maryland to serve the region’s increasing power demand.
These projects will be developed through PJM Interconnection’s Transource Energy affiliate and FirstEnergy Transmission across states within the PJM footprint.
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PJM is the regional transmission organisation co-ordinating the transportation of wholesale electricity across a 13-state region, including Virginia, West Virginia and Maryland.
The companies proposed the projects through PJM’s Regional Transmission Expansion Plan Open Window process in September 2024.
Dominion Energy Virginia president of utility operations Ed Baine stated: “These projects are essential for the economic vitality of our region, the reliability of our grid and the everyday lives of our customers.
“These are comprehensive solutions needed to reliably serve the growing needs of our customers, and we thank PJM for their thorough review.”
The projects will be developed through the newly formed Valley Link Transmission Company joint venture.
This collaboration aims to leverage the companies’ collective expertise and resources to deliver comprehensive and cost-effective solutions addressing the region’s growing power needs.
FirstEnergy president transmission Mark Mroczynski stated: “By leveraging the collective expertise of our three companies, we have the opportunity to build robust transmission facilities that will address documented reliability concerns on the regional power grid.
“While we’re in the very early stages, we look forward to engaging with communities and stakeholders in the months ahead to discuss the need for these projects and listen to the ideas and concerns of our customers.”
The projects include building 260 miles (418.4km) of 765kV transmission line and two substations between Putnam County in West Virginia and Frederick County in Maryland, and constructing 155 miles (249.4km) of 765kV transmission line and a substation between Campbell County and Fauquier County, both in Virginia, along with a new substation in Virginia’s Caroline County.
These initiatives aim to support economic development while ensuring a reliable energy supply for customers.
The projects are in early development stages, with no set timeline for permitting, approvals and construction.
Following the contract awards, the companies will advance the development of project details, including assessing potential routes and conducting thorough environmental studies.
In addition to the jointly developed projects, PJM has selected several other transmission projects to be developed individually by each of the three companies within their service areas.
