SCC deadline is TODAY at 5 PM; the only proven 500 kV underground project backs our position & we need you too

Good morning everyone,

I know there have been several emails, and there will probably be another one coming soon (sorry!)

But we have all come too far together to stop short now, especially with the final SCC deadline today at 5 PM

Please: every member of every household should register for the SCC telephonic hearing and submit a written comment

Doing only one is not enough - please make sure you’ve done both

Before you click this link (and there are more details are at the bottom), here is an important update that every resident should know:

The only city in America that has successfully undergrounded a 500 kV transmission line weighed in with the SCC yesterday

Yesterday, Chino Hills, California submitted a formal letter to the Virginia SCC on our behalf.

Chino Hills to SCC.pdf

Chino Hills Letter to SCC

Support for Undergrounding of the Mars-to-Golden Transmission Line - A Proven Precedent from Chino Hills, California

288.00 KB • PDF File

Chino Hills is the only community in the United States where a 500 kV transmission line has been fully undergrounded, built, and energized, a 3.5-mile XLPE system using duct bank construction, HDD tunneling, and transition stations through residential neighborhoods.

They have direct, real-world experience with the exact technical questions being debated here.

Here is what they told the SCC:

1. Undergrounding 500 kV is already proven and operating today

Chino Hills emphasized their fully built underground XLPE system, the engineering required, and its successful operation.

2. Regulators required undergrounding even after 195-198 ft towers were partially constructed

The California Public Utilities Commission reversed its earlier approval and ordered undergrounding because the residential impacts of overhead towers were unacceptable.

3. They outlined the practical benefits of undergrounding in residential areas

Directly from their letter:

· No 200 ft towers over homes, schools, and parks

· Preserved property values and neighborhood aesthetics

· Lower visible EMF exposure and improved comfort

· Reduced wildfire and outage risk

· Better long-term land-use planning

· Future-proofing for an additional circuit

4. Their conclusion: Virginia communities merit the same level of consideration

They stated plainly that undergrounding, even as a pilot, is feasible, prudent, and aligned with community expectations.

Why this matters

Dominion has suggested that undergrounding 500 kV is impractical or unrealistic.

Chino Hills is the one place in the United States where this has actually been done, and they have now told the SCC that it should be considered here in Loudoun County.

This is credible, direct precedent from the only community with hands-on experience.

Final push: please act now (TODAY by 5 PM)

Register to give a statement at the telephonic SCC hearing
Also, submit a written comment
Check with friends and neighbors to make sure they have done the same

Every single voice matters, especially today

What You Need To Do

1. Register to make a statement during the SCC Public Hearing by Phone

Deadline: TODAY, December 9 at 5:00 p.m.

You may read a statement or speak briefly Every household member can register, including teens & kids You do not have to live in Loudoun Valley Estates to be heard, all comments count Each comment matters - no matter how short or topic area Reference Case No. PUR-2025-00056

Direct sign-up: https://www.scc.virginia.gov/case-information/webcasting/public-witness/#d.en.25685

Instructions page: https://nopowerlines.org/scc-hearing-by-phone

Sample scripts and instructions also available to download below

Important: If you registered for the Rock Ridge hearing but were not called, you must register again

Registrations do not automatically roll over

The actual hearing will be the week of December 15th, pre-registration is required

B&W Phone Registration.pdf