Valley Link: Valley North 765 kV line
A proposed 765 kV overhead line from West Virginia to Frederick County, Maryland, with study segments through northwestern Loudoun near Lovettsville. No SCC application yet; filing expected in 2027.
- Type
- 765 kV overhead transmission line, about 260 miles in all
- Size
- 30 miles in Virginia (Frederick, Clarke and Loudoun counties)
- Owner / applicant
- Valley Link Transmission Company (Dominion Energy, FirstEnergy Transmission and Transource Energy)
- Decided by
- PJM Interconnection (selected the project), State Corporation Commission (Virginia route)
- Proposed or under review
Valley North is a proposed 765 kV overhead line, about 260 miles long, from Putnam County, West Virginia, to Frederick County, Maryland. About 30 miles would cross Virginia, through Frederick, Clarke and Loudoun counties. The developer is Valley Link Transmission Company, a joint venture of Dominion Energy, FirstEnergy Transmission and Transource Energy. PJM, the regional grid operator, selected the project on Feb. 26, 2025.[1]
In Loudoun, the study segments Valley Link published in June 2026 run through the northwest of the county, near Lovettsville, Taylorstown and the Catoctin Creek watershed. According to Valley Link's own figures, as the county's resolution recites, the line would use steel lattice towers averaging about 175 feet on a new cleared right-of-way about 200 feet wide.[2]
What the Board did
On Sept. 15, 2026 the Board of Supervisors voted 9-0 to oppose Valley North as proposed, and any new overhead transmission right-of-way through Loudoun. The resolution directs the County Attorney to join the SCC case once it is filed, to request studies of other approaches including underground high-voltage direct current, and to defend the open-space easements the county holds. The Board added a request that the SCC hold at least one hearing in Loudoun.[2]
What the study segments cross
The county's resolution lists what the study segments cross or touch: homes and farms, the Town of Lovettsville and its elementary school, the Taylorstown Historic District, Sweet Run State Park, the Appalachian Trail, and land under open-space easements held by the Board. The county has no permitting role. The SCC decides the Virginia route, weighing the county's comprehensive plan if the county asks it to.[1]
What happens next
Valley Link plans more open houses this fall and expects to file with the SCC in 2027. There is no SCC case number yet.[4]
Proceedings
Timeline
- VoteBoard of Supervisors opposes Valley North, 9-0The resolution opposes any new overhead transmission right-of-way through Loudoun, directs the County Attorney to join the SCC case once it is filed, and asks the SCC to hold a hearing in Loudoun.Source →
- OtherValley Link holds its Loudoun open house in LovettsvilleSource →
- AnnouncementValley Link announces the project and publishes study segmentsSource →
- DecisionPJM selects the Valley Link projectsSource →
Who represents this area
Across the site
Sources
- [1]Loudoun Board opposes Valley North transmission line, denies substation near Dulles Airport. Loudoun County. Sep 18, 2026.
- [2]Revised Action Report, Board of Supervisors Business Meeting, Item 14.m. Loudoun County. Sep 17, 2026.
- [3]Valley North project page. Valley Link Transmission Company. Jun 9, 2026.
- [4]Transmission line projects in Loudoun County. Loudoun County. Oct 8, 2026.